Today marks a week since our beloved Simba passed away and it still feels strange seeing Rey Ayacucho (Rey A) alone in Guibord Sprague Habitat (pictured today).

From a circus cage in Peru to freedom at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. For 18 years the brothers had only been apart twice, for visits to hospital.

As Simba passed, Rey roared. We left them together and when we finally drove Simba away, Rey did not stop watching until the vehicle disappeared. That night the sanctuary was eerily quiet. Rey and Simba were loud voices in the chorus roaring at sunrise and sunset, but even the other chorus voices, Kesari, Chino and Coco were silent. One of their own was gone.

We implemented our sanctuary grief protocols using Feliway (calming pheromone) sprayed in dens and on platforms, and extra treats.  His designated Grief Companion is Johannes, our Resident Welfare Team Manager, spending time with Rey, talking to him, letting him know he is not alone, giving him treats and seeing what he enjoys – he has especially liked ice lollies of frozen water and blood on these hot African summer days.

Rey has sought solace with his neighbour Kesari, and they have been lying together by the fence between their habitats. He has been eating well, engaging with Johannes, climbing onto his various platforms, and after two nights, resumed his role initiating the evening roaring chorus.

As new residents, lions Lei-ah & Elsa, arrived early on Sunday morning, Rey’s voice boomed in Guibord-Sprague Habitat and his comrades joined in, announcing the arrival of the newcomers.

Some claim lions lack feelings, empathy and other emotions, in truth, because it is convenient, yet the evidence is clear – even if humans ignore or fail to understand the communications of these incredible animals.

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