As we continue to mourn the passing of an incredible resident of the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, we look back on how against all odds, Leo survived the circus and came home to Africa.
Leo: an extraordinary life
Farewell, Leo
It with great sadness we announce that our dear Leo, lion father of the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, has now passed away. Leo, who was over 21 years old, had become very fragile and appeared to be fading at the start of the month. But with palliative care an outpouring of love across the world, our warrior bounced back. He was back to his old self for three wonderful weeks, his appetite returned, he enjoyed the ADIWS staff constantly attending him, basked in the South African sunshine, and would walk deep into his habitat and to watch his daughters. A last hurrah in the land of his forefathers.
Continue readingTrees for our rescued animals
Before their rescue, our circus survivors lived for years in barren cages, deprived of anything natural. Ruben had also endured years living in a concrete zoo cell, far removed from his natural world. At the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, they enjoy natural, wild space – rewilded farmland on which we’ve planted native trees and encouraged wild fauna and flora.
Continue readingWelcoming rescued geese and more tortoises
Harold, an Egyptian Goose, and two, as yet, unnamed Pomeranian Geese have joined us from the local SPCA. We’ve also recently released four more tortoises, rescued by SPCA, on our Sanctuary grounds.
Harold possibly thinks he is a dog and has made great friends with Rollo and Milo, going for walks with them (he will fly to catch up if left behind, swooping around the sanctuary) and spends afternoons grooming Rollo plucking out beak fulls of fur.
Continue readingWill you help Muheeb?
Come closer and look into my eyes…..
Muheeb was bred by an animal trafficker, then sold into Kuwait’s illegal pet trade for a lonely life as someone’s misguided status symbol. By the time he was fully grown, his owner realised it was a mistake, knew Muheeb needed a better life. He surrendered Muheeb but there was nowhere for him – he is currently being cared for in Kuwait Zoo which is closed. Muheeb is 4-6 years old and finally has a chance of a home in Africa at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Will you help Muheeb and four other lions rescued from Kuwait’s illegal wildlife pet trade make the journey to a new life? Donate
Nugget has a new playmate!
We were all sure there was a hidden passenger with one of the females when the donkeys arrived at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, then joy all around, with the arrival of Nugget (a donkey pregnancy can last up to 14 months!).
And recently, we had another new arrival ahead of Valentine’s Day, nicknamed Eeyore because of their floppy ears. We won’t be able to see whether Eeyore is a male or female for a couple of weeks.
Continue readingRescue update from Kuwait
Jan and Tim report from Kuwait today. All five of the young lions who ADI is calling for help to take to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS), were victims of the illegal pet trade. They were either seized, captured after being dumped, or voluntarily surrendered. They are in custody at the closed Kuwait Zoo where the lions have been cared for until a home could be found, we are grateful to the staff and volunteers who have helped.
Continue readingBrotherly love
Max and Stripes love splashing in their pool, especially with a watermelon to play with – although it can get quite messy! Rescued as young cubs from a circus holed up in a junkyard in Guatemala, six years ago. Now they live in Kakato by April Fong Habitat, our largest tiger territory at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. They are friendly, confident animals – Stripes, who was shy as a cub, now fully expresses himself! They love to play with any kind of enrichment, including their Valentine’s Day watermelon treat!
Continue readingWatermelon surprise for Ruben
Ruben seems over the moon to receive his watermelon treat ahead of Valentine’s Day! This is Ruben’s first Valentine’s Day at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary after he was rescued last year from a life of lonely suffering in Armenia. He loves his toys, especially his special teddy bears made out of recycled coffee sacks. We can’t wait to treat him to more watermelon on Valentine’s Day – it will be another tasty treat for him to enjoy. Thanks to Sharon Barber who donated watermelon treats for all the animals at ADIWS.
Keep the fun going for Ruben, while supporting his physiotherapy. Donate toward more enrichment.
Continue readingUrgent call to give five young lions a future
Will you help us give five young lions, victims of the illegal pet trade in Kuwait, a new life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary?
The lions were either seized, captured after being dumped, or voluntarily surrendered, and are now in custody at the closed Kuwait Zoo. We are thankful to the staff and volunteers who have been caring for them until a home could be found. They heard how ADI had rescued Ruben from another closed zoo and asked for our help.
Continue reading
ADI Wildlife Sanctuary 