None of us can forget those tiny tigers Sun and Moon rescued in the summer of 2018 from a circus in Guatemala. For the ADI team a traumatic 18 months followed. It would take another six months to finally rescue the remaining tigers in the same circus, the Temporary Rescue Unit (that the ADI team had been ordered to use) was plagued with difficulties. It was appallingly located, taking hours to reach, trucks bringing animals got stuck, veterinary visits were blocked, it even ran out of water and local sugar farmers helped out. Then came the threats and two attempted invasions by mobs. Finally, heaping huge extra costs on the rescue, an emergency relocation was needed as unscrupulous individuals attempted to get control of the animals.
Thanks to everyone who was rooting for this lioness from a circus in Colombia and lion from a circus in Peru to find companionship together at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. We think you will agree that this is the very definition of a very handsome couple!
Watch the moment when we really knew that David and Easy would make it as companions at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s not very good phone footage but captures a key interaction after we had united them. After being brought together we had then released them into the main, almost 4-acre, Camo Habitat. They had been exploring together and we found them in the long grass at the very far end of the habitat in the morning. We wondered if they would stick together or drift apart, seeking each other out occasionally?
As the sun set we saw David heading back from the habitat. At first, we thought he was alone, then we saw Easy following. He trotted up onto the platform we made from an old water reservoir. We were so familiar with the silhouettes of Easy and sister Shakira (who passed away from cancer last year) up there but had not seen David and Easy up there together. Easy paused and then followed him.
After sitting in the fading rays of the sun for a while David decided it was time for bed. He tried to get Easy up but she ignored him and he headed off. As soon as he was gone Easy stood up, looked for him, and then jumped down after him, quickening her pace. You can also see that David turns around and comes back, as if to say “please come too!” They headed into the house for the night and slept in the same room together, and that’s where we found them in the morning at sunrise. We haven’t seen them snuggled up together, but they are always close to each other, this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship and companionship for two of our lonely hearts lions.
Two of the mightiest lions at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary bask in the light of another sunset in South Africa in their 6+ acre habitat. Smith is a huge, castrated male it’s a close call as to who is the biggest lion at the sanctuary between him and Kesari. It was campaigners with hidden cameras, leaflets and placards that transformed their lives.
Rescued from a circus in Colombia and now at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, Easy stretches in the morning African sunshine and yawns. The lioness was recently introduced to David, a lion from a circus in Peru. Since then, the pair are rarely apart. David was just a few feet away when we snapped this.
Doting lions Tarzan and Tanya at home at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary this morning, showing one of their displays of affection which have melted hearts around the world. They returned to the sanctuary yesterday after dental surgery and a partial lip lift for Tarzan, to repair damage from before they were rescued from a circus in Guatemala. Tarzan was attacked in the circus by a tiger, which tore his lip from his face – it healed hanging from his chin. Tanya fought to defend her Tarzan and has torn ears and is covered with scars. Another amazing thing about this incredibly close relationship is that Tarzan is huge (the vet weighed him at 189.8kg/418lbs) whereas Tanya is tiny (98.4kg/217lbs). She is almost half his size!
ADI Wildlife Sanctuary sweethearts Tarzan and Tanya are home, after a stay at the Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic for dental surgery and a partial lip lift for Tarzan. They arrived home just before sunset. Tanya headed out into the habitat while Tarzan settled down in his crate and watched the world go by as it grew dark! That’s ok, he could see Tanya and we are used to Tarzan’s very gentle pace. Tomorrow morning, they can get back to their normal routine.
Rolex was rescued from a circus in Peru and now lives at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS) in South Africa (home to lions and tigers rescued from circuses in Peru, Colombia and Guatemala – after those countries banned animals in circuses). He was rescued with brothers Chino and Coco and in the ADI Temporary Rescue Unit in Peru, the three were inseparable. Sadly, at a facility that held the lions in South Africa before they moved to ADIWS the boys became aggressive and fell out, and Rolex has been alone since. Chino and Coco are still together at ADIWS. Rolex is currently part of our Operation Lonely Hearts program to unite him with his sisters Kiara and Africa. Although from the same circus they have never lived together.
We hope that you have as relaxing a start to the week as indomitable lioness Sasha. Rescued from a circus in Guatemala and now living at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa, Sasha has a part titanium leg after diseased bone was removed. We dare you to flick through these and not once start to stifle a yawn. Worth checking them all out just to see what truly awesome jaws and teeth she has. Have a great week.
Many will remember the story of Tanya and Tarzan’s life of confinement and deprivation in a circus in Guatemala, where Tarzan was attacked by a tiger and his lower lip almost torn off – his dear Tanya still carries the scars where she defended him during the fight. Tarzan’s lip healed hanging from his chin after the horrific incident. A week ago, both Tarzan and Tanya had dental work from Dr Gerhard Steenkamp at Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic, and when Tarzan needed a second round of dental work this week, our veterinarian Dr Peter Caldwell took the opportunity to mend Tarzan’s lower lip. Handsome Tarzan has now had what we are describing as a lip lift! Dr Caldwell’s options were limited due to the lack of structure left, so Tarzan still looks his distinctive self, but with less of his lip now hanging down, which should be more comfortable. He is doing well, and the inseparable pair have remained close by each other throughout.
Recently united, sharing the same space, David and Easy have been enjoying their 4-acre Camo Habitat at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. They stay closely together as they patrol the habitat; usually with David leading and regularly stopping to check if Easy is close by. It has been very moving to see them sitting together on top of the water tank we converted into a den, because it was such a familiar sight when we used to see Easy and sister Shakira (who passed away with cancer) in the same spot. Easy and David now follow each other into their house to sleep together. Lions are social animals and this is not about romance, but companionship – and of course the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary does not allow breeding – we are all so delighted that these two lions (rescued from different circuses in Peru and Colombia) are no longer alone.
ADI Wildlife Sanctuary 