Lazy Sunday afternoon with Kimba

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Rescued from a circus in Guatemala, Kimba could not look more relaxed, home in Africa at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. We are currently in the process of uniting Kimba with Tomas who was rescued from the same circus in Guatemala. The boys rotate in different sections of Augie Habitat, and are fed separately, but alongside each other in the lion house. Lions are very sociable and so far it is looking very promising. However, as tranquil as Kimba looks here, lions are powerful animals and so introductions are slow and cautious!

SANCTUARIES UNITED TO SAVE ANIMALS.

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The ADI Wildlife Sanctuary team was pleased to help with the release of two tigers at the new Isindile Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. We donated two of our Guatemala travel crates to the new sanctuary.

Three weeks ago, the team from Isindile spent a day at ADIWS training with Johannes, Jan, and Lefaso covering food preparation, husbandry, feeding and safety protocols. The ADIWS team discussed the personalities of the lion and tiger residents at ADIWS and their different needs. We hope by helping another new sanctuary, we can contribute to the welfare of other rescued animals.

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COULD THESE TWO LIONS BE ANY CLOSER?

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At a glance you just see male lion Tarzan, but look closer and there’s Tanya snuggled at his side.  The lions saw each other through thick and thin in a circus in Guatemala – tiny Tanya even fought to defend her beloved Tarzan when he was attacked by a tiger – now they are always at each other’s side in the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa.

Earlier this year, Dr Peter Caldwell was able to give Tarzan a partial lip lift to repair the horrific damage after a tiger tore apart the lion’s face in the circus. It was not possible to fully repair the damage, but, as can be seen in this picture, the surgery made a huge difference for Tarzan.

Scarc checks out Betsy the tractor

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A wonderful new addition to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary is a tractor sponsored by sanctuary founder, veterinarian Dr Betsy Coville. Whenever anything new turns up, the lions and tigers are always quick to come and check it out and were intrigued by Betsy the tractor. The ADI Wildlife Sanctuary covers 455 acres in South Africa and is home to almost 40 lions and tigers rescued from circuses, in large habitats from 2.5 to 7 acres. ADI only purchased the land in August 2018, and so contributions towards equipment for our animal resident care. Not only has Betsy the tractor arrived but another sanctuary founder, Vivien Jones, has purchased a slasher – essential for cutting the fire breaks that proved life saving for our animal recently.

Purchasing and naming equipment is a great way of helping animals and making your mark at the ADI Wildlife sanctuary. Get in touch if you are interested.

Kunduchi Pet Products rebranding with ADIWS info

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Kunduchi Pet Products is a company based in South Africa that has been generously providing catnip for our lions and tigers’ enrichment, which is essential to their mental and physical health. Now they are rebranding their catnip packaging to include information on the ADI Widllife Sanctuary! Our thanks to Kunduchi Pet Products for helping to raise awareness about ADIWS, our rescued animals, and our work.

An update on Leo

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It’s been just over a month since we said goodbye to Leo’s lifelong companion Muñeca, and we know many of you might be wondering how this gentle giant is coping without her.
 
The incredible ADI Wildlife Sanctuary team has been keeping a close eye on Leo to monitor his movements, providing extra attention, enrichment, and treats. By giving him smaller, more regular meals, the team is spending extra time interacting with him.

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A carousel for lions

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Chino and Coco enjoy our latest addition to Kornberg Habitat at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, a carousel on which tires and boxes stuffed with catnip hang. The playful boys love chasing and grappling with their toys. The brothers were rescued from a tiny cage in a circus in Peru where there was nothing to stimulate their mind or body, and no room to stretch their legs. Now at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in their native Africa, they get to explore the 2.5-acre Kornberg Habitat and they are regularly treated to enrichment, which is so vital to their health and wellbeing.

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Tomas: Home to Africa after detour

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When Guatemala banned animals in circuses, Tomas was the first animal to be surrendered. But not to ADI, instead he went to a local zoo. Several months later when ADI began removing lions and tigers from circuses as part of the circus ban enforcement operation, the zoo decided it did not have the space for Tomas. Little did he know it, but as Tomas was moved on again, this time he had really caught a lucky break that would take him all the way home to Africa. The ADI Temporary Rescue Unit in Guatemala were only given 20 minutes notice that a lion was already on his way! We frantically moved ‘freedom’ cages around and prepared a space for Tomas. 14 months later, Tomas was on a flight with 12 tigers and 4 other lions home to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa.

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