We remain in shock and grief after the passing of Tarzan’s lifelong companion Tanya – our ADI Wildlife Sanctuary sweethearts.
We are doing our best to help Tarzan through his loss. As part of our ‘Grief Protocols’, Johannes, Lefaso and Karen are taking it in turns to sit with him, keeping him company and monitoring. Tarzan has been engaged and active, moving around the habitat and settling in his favored spots. His behavior when Tanya was clearly unwell and fading shows us he was aware, and it is clear he is now missing Tanya.
Our protocols are there to help keep him company, comfort as best we can, and help him to continue to engage with the world. Tarzan has never been one to engage with enrichment in the form of toys, such as catnip sacks, boxes or giant balls, but he does love an ice lolly (blood mixed with water and frozen) so he is getting these as daily treats. He has a good appetite and is coming for his medication when called. He is also roaring, communicating with the other lions. In the video, you can see him roaring in response to David next door, Lefaso giving him some treats and medications, and in the final shots enjoying one of his lollies.
We now believe that on the day before Tanya was taken into hospital, Tarzan was aware that his beloved was dying. He has not been searching for her as he normally would, nor acting confused that she has gone. His neighbors seem aware of the loss, with Shujaa on one side and David on the other coming to the fence to see him more than usual. When David calls, he appears heartened when Tarzan calls back.
Tarzan has been on palliative care for his osteo-arthritis for several months, however, thanks to Dr Peter Caldwell adjusting this medication, he remains comfortable. His movement is better, although he sometimes finds it harder to get back to his house if he wanders too far. We had been aware that at some point we would have to help Tanya when Tarzan passed away – when it was no longer possible to keep him pain free – we did not think it would be the other way around. Tragically, remarkable, resilient Tanya showed no signs of her own health problems until it was too late. The sudden decline in health, including onset of breathing difficulties, were caused by the spread of the lymphoma as it pressed on critical organs. We discussed with Dr Caldwell whether we could bring Tanya home to the sanctuary to be with Tarzan for just a few days but she would have suffered more with every day. It was a kinder release for her.
We have faced similar challenges with lions or tigers losing companions – most recently, David losing Easy – and similar to now, Leo losing Muñeca. Initially, it looked like Leo would follow Muñeca quite quickly, but he steadily returned to his old self and back to enjoying life, passing away a year and half after Muñeca, aged well into his twenties.
We all know humans who have lost loved ones, and there are no magic words or actions to help them through – it is sometimes said “the price of love is grief”. Tarzan has lost his soulmate and all we can do is help him cope. It is heart-breaking for all of us who loved Tanya, but we know our loss is nothing compared to that of Tarzan. Thank you all for the well wishes and love you are sending to him.
We know that many supporters like to give in memoriam donations when this happens, so if you would like to remember Tanya and help us continue to look after Tarzan, you can donate here:
ADI Wildlife Sanctuary 