Rescued tigers like Sasha cannot be returned to the wild, but we can give them choices and a natural and interesting environment at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. Before ADI rescued her from a circus in Guatemala, she was confined to a tiny bare cage, with nowhere to hide – always exposed from all four sides. Now Sasha can choose whether to disappear into her habitat, perhaps only to be seen leaping into the air to try to catch a bird. She will often wander over to neighbours Max and Stripes or lounge in one of her pools – she has two we have built and one natural pool, but often she will still choose to lie in a water trough. She might play with one of her toys like her giant ball, or might wander over to check out a passing human. Then, if you’re lucky, she’ll walk alongside you for a while. Here’s the important thing, it’s when she chooses.
Author: animaldefendersinternational
Rey Cusco & Smith: Brothers in Africa
Rescued by ADI from a circus in the city of Cusco, Peru, are thriving in the world nature intended for them at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. The two endured a brutal circus life, deprived of their physical and psychological needs as they lived on bare boards in a tiny cage. Smith is a huge male, but lacks a mane because he was castrated in the circus. At the Sanctuary, they receive proper nutrition, veterinary care, vital enrichment such as catnip-infused hay boxes, and ample space to roam, relax and play in an environment as close to what nature intended.
Continue readingLonely Hearts update: David and Easy
Lions David and Easy have been enchanting the whole human population at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, as their bond has grown closer, and they follow each other around the habitat. We love that when they travel up to the end of the habitat, if David is in front, he stops and waits for Easy to catch up. When Easy moves off to explore, she will wait for David, and they do an affectionate head bump.
Phase 1 of our roads project complete
The summer rains this year left our dirt roads between our lion and tiger habitats damaged, churned up, and often impassable. Our habitats cover over 60 acres and are connected by almost two miles of dirt roads which are used several times a day to deliver food, medications and enrichment for the animals, for cleaning and maintenance, and security/welfare checks. Good roads are essential to the welfare of our residents and for any emergencies like fighting wildfires and getting a resident to the hospital if needed.
Continue readingFather of the pride
With Father’s Day on Sunday, we salute the Father of our ADI Wildlife Sanctuary Pride, 19-year old Leo.
We know that Leo and partner Muñeca are parents to at least five lions living at the sanctuary: Rolex, Coco, Chino, Africa and KiaraP. But it could be several more. Before they were rescued by ADI, Leo and Muñeca were owned by a circus in Peru, which was breeding and supplying almost every circus in the country. So, Leo could also be the daddy of Rey Cusco, KiaraC, Smith and Amazonas, and Grand Daddy to Mahla and Scarc – as some Peruvian officials believed.
Continue readingAmazonas is home
Amazonas is settling back into life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. Rescued by ADI from a circus in Peru eight years ago, lioness Amazonas recently had an eye removed by Dr Peter Caldwell due to a cataract combined with a collapse of the back of the eye. After a period using the house and feeding camp, with monitored visits from her family, Amazonas seems to have adapted well and is back enjoying Tohir Habitat.
Continue readingYou’re keeping them warm
Last month, ADI supporters on Facebook raised the money for all of the hay bales to insulate the dens of the lions and tigers at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa this winter. You even surpassed our target, raising enough for the soft teff bedding inside the dens throughout the winter too! THANK YOU!
Continue readingLonely Hearts: Rolex, Africa and Kiara
Sometimes you want your own space! ROLEX (10 years) and sisters AFRICA (10) and KIARA (15), rescued from a circus in Peru, have made it clear they like things as they are! In their shared home at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa, they enjoy sitting and even sleeping close to each other on opposite sides of the fence, but don’t want to live in the same space. Although we were able to get the lions together a few times, it was clear that Africa and Kiara are just too close for another to join their group. We are pleased we explored this for several weeks and now understand the relationship the lions like. So, we will split the habitat into two; they can all enjoy a main habitat, platforms, dens, a feeding camp, and night house. They will be right next to each other and can communicate, maybe rub through the fence if they want, but in their own space.
SPECIAL APPEAL – can you donate to give Rolex his own pad, next to his sisters?
Lonely Hearts Update: Iron and Bumba
The process of bringing IRON and BUMBA who were rescued from the same circus in Colombia is underway – previously they were each living at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary with other lions from that circus who have passed away. Initially, The process has been paused this week with Bumba taken into hospital where he has had a small tumour on his lip removed successfully.
Continue readingLeaping for life!
Max and Stripes play together after being given a catnip and hay filled box at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa.
Rescued by ADI from a tiny cage circus in Guatemala (which they shared with four other tigers), you can see just how much space these powerful wild animals need to exercise and express themselves.
In the background you can see their lake in the 5+ acre Kakato Habitat. Rescued as six month old cubs, the boys have their entire lives ahead of them, will you adopt them to secure their lifetime care?
ADI Wildlife Sanctuary 