We recently posted about Smith’s return to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary from hospital and his medications, to help with a gastric problem. Rey and Smith were delighted to see each other with much head bumping and rubbing. They settled in their huge habitat with Rey sitting by Smith as he continued to recover. Rey realized something was wrong with his friend and, over the next few days, became very protective of Smith, who had become a bit depressed. Rey would block and try and chase away the team who were giving Smith his meds – they are normally fed and medicated in separate rooms in the house but Smith couldn’t get in. It was very moving to see, but it was essential that Smith’s recovery did not falter, so to make sure Smith gets all his meds, we had to put them in separate parts of their habitat – they can still see each other.
Continue readingReclaiming the land



One hundred indigenous trees have just been delivered to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, as part of our re-wilding program. This wonderful donation was organised by Food & Trees for Africa and sponsored Faithful To Nature – THANK YOU!
Continue readingTomas and Kimba snuggle up



One great big bundle of paws! Tomas and Kimba squeeze under the lower step of a platform for some shade at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Yes, they have trees, a big shelter under the platform and a two-room house, but this is where they chose to snuggle up together. The reunion in Africa of the two brothers, that had been separated in a Guatemala circus as cubs, has been a huge success.
They need their own kind
As Valentine’s week comes to an end, it seems appropriate to celebrate the incredible loyalty and love lions shows for each other. Our hearts broke last week when dear Iron passed away, the comfort for many being he was once again with his beloved OJ (Ojiclaro) again. The pair had been through hell together in a Colombia circus. Their battered faces looked close to defeat in their cramped circus cage the day ADI rescued them. But their spirit was not broken and were soon looking regal again in the basic, temporary rescue unit we had in Bucaramanga.
Continue readingLoving lions on Valentine’s Day
A very happy Valentine’s day from everyone at ADI and the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.
Enjoy Tarzan and Tanya showing the incredible love and loyalty these animals have for each other. They went through hell in a Guatemalan circus but they got their happy ending at ADIWS.
Thank you to all the ADI supporters who made it possible through donations and adoptions.
Sasha tiger’s Valentine’s treat
Sasha comes in from her main habitat, at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, and finds a Valentine’s week surprise in her feeding camp.
Would you like to adopt this beautiful tiger, who was rescued from a circus in Guatemala, and ensure she gets the love she needs all year round?
Valentine’s week has started for Kesari
Valentine’s week has started already for Kesari at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, with a huge red present! Check out those huge paws on our biggest lion resident! How about showing this magnificent boy some love for the rest of the year, with an adoption?
Ruben getting his passport
Thanks to your support, Ruben is a step closer to a new life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. We are counting the days! At the bear sanctuary run by Armenia’s Foundation for the Protection of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), under the care of Dr Harut Hovhannisyon, Ruben was sedated for his vaccinations, microchip and parasite treatment so that we can apply for his Armenia export permit and South Africa import permit. While having his procedures, they decided to give him a little tidy up, grooming his mane and cutting out some dead hair. All ready and handsome for his new home!
Continue readingLion lovebirds
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, settle in and watch one of the greatest love stories of all time, that of lions Tanya and Tarzan. They endured hell together, in a circus in Guatemala, but their love never waivered. She defended him when he was attacked, he calmed her when she was scared and today they remain inseparable in the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa.
Will you open your hearts to them and adopt them for Valentine’s Day to help give them the care they deserve? It also makes a great gift for your loved one.
A Valentine’s Day Gift Adoption includes a personalized certificate, Valentine’s card, ADI Rescuer newsletter, rescue updates and a beautiful photograph of Tarzan and Tanya perfect for framing.
Farewell Iron

We are heartbroken to report the passing of 18-year old Iron one of our circus survivors from Colombia. We always want more time with them, but we understand when a lion’s time has come. Over a few days, Iron stopped eating and Dr Caldwell was called to ADIWS. He sedated Iron and took him into hospital. Sadly, tests revealed that our beloved Iron had aggressive stage 4 lung cancer and there was nothing to be done, we had to let our magnificent warrior go rather than face a painful battle he could not win. A beautiful soul has left us.
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