We are all heartbroken to announce that our dear Tanya, Tarzan’s lifetime companion and protector, has passed away.

Tanya was taken into hospital this week after becoming unwell. Seeing her scans and x-rays, Dr Caldwell said he felt nauseous, knowing what this would mean – Tanya had a lymphoma in her spleen which had spread and was impacting her intestine and causing pressure on her internal organs, causing respiratory distress. It was not operable, we had to let her go.

As many will know from over the years, sadly, cancer is common in our circus survivors. Their terrible life in the circus is all high stress levels, bare boards and bars, no room to move, nothing of interest, frustration, abuse and malnutrition; all of this impacts their health. Peter advised this type of lymphoma spreads rapidly and then hits suddenly with a multitude of symptoms; in this case it was sudden lack of appetite, constipation, and her breathing. Tanya was at least 15-16 years and was rescued by ADI from a circus in Guatemala seven years ago.

In the 48 hours before she was taken into hospital, Tarzan was nursing and protecting her. He has been calm and not stressed since she left and we believe now he was aware she was dying. Our team is following ADI Wildlife Sanctuary grief protocols with Tarzan to help him through his loss.

Our thanks to everyone who helped save this magnificent lioness from the circus, brought her home to Africa and gave seven wonderful years with her beloved Tarzan.