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 readingAuthor: animaldefendersinternational
You’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?
How lions play
Mahla gets to grips with brother Scarc during the usual Cusco family games at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. Rescued as cubs from a circus in Peru, we wonder how many times as they grew up, mother Kiara must have shouted “Stop biting your sister’s leg” or “Stop pulling your brother’s hair!”
Continue readingIndomitable Sasha
When Sasha was a tiny cub, the Guatemala circus owner decided to cut off her front toes, to prevent her claws growing. She would not be able to defend herself. The circuses don’t pay for veterinarians. She will have been torn, screaming, from her mother, her legs held tight, as her toes were cut off. Instead of cleanly cutting all the toes off, one toe was crushed. The injury was just left, and so baby Sasha developed a limp, her toe infected and painful. Six long years of pain later, the infection turned into cancer.
Continue readingAmazonas eye surgery
We reported earlier that Dr Caldwell had identified a serious eye problem for lioness Amazonas – a cataract combined with a collapse of the back of the eye, and she was taken into hospital. The ophthalmologist confirmed Dr Caldwell’s diagnosis and that the eye should be removed. We are all relieved and delighted that the surgery has been a success, our strong lady of the Amazon is recovering well and will be home at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary soon.
Continue readingMake a nest for a big cat
Wednesday is the first day of winter and it can get very cold at night at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, sometimes with ice on the lake. So, preparation has been underway this month, with deliveries of hay, covering the outdoor dens with conveyor belt rubber and then insulating them with bales of hay.
Continue readingADI Wildlife Sanctuary invasion!
During the pandemic, a tall, invasive, non-indigenous plant began to appear across the sanctuary – tagetes minuta, known as Kakiebos, Khaki bush, Mexican marigold and Stinking Roger. It originates from South America but was introduced from Spain. In the second year of the pandemic, it started to sweep through several of our habitats.
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ADI Wildlife Sanctuary 