19-year-old Muñeca is now in Old Chapel Veterinary Hospital after she became lethargic and stopped eating. Leo clearly realized something was wrong and stood by his adored Muñeca, encouraging and wrapping his legs around her. A reminder of just how important social bonds are to lions.

Tarzan says “No” to food and meds until he sees his Tanya! Recently, Tarzan was unwell. Taking no chances, we took him to hospital. But he was miserable there and refused to eat or take his medication. The solution – bring his Tanya in early for her dental check! The couple were put together in the same hospital room. They were overjoyed to see each other, and Tarzan immediately took his meds, ate his dinner, and went straight to sleep, guarded by his Tanya! 

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.

Amazonas, beloved aunt of the Cusco pride, is on her way to hospital. There was no need for sedation and she calmly walked into her travel crate. For some time, veterinarian Dr Peter Caldwell has been monitoring her right eye, which has a cataract and the lens has prolapsed to the anterior chamber. For much of the time, the eye has looked normal with occasional flare-ups. It is highly likely the eye will need to be removed. Eye problems begin in the rescued lions as a result of years of malnutrition in the circus. There may also be a genetic component, as the lions with the worst eye problems are likely related. Amazonas’s sister Kiara of Cusco had an eye removed five years ago and Leo had his eye removed last year. Although they are in two separate family groups, the circus owners bred and sold cubs to others and asserted that Leo was father to most of Peru’s circus lions. Kiara of Huarral is definitely Leo’s daughter (as is Africa), and now has a serious cataract in one eye.

Rey Ayacucho (or Rey A) will be staying at Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic under the supervision of Dr Peter Caldwell for a while. His condition is potentially serious with a large mass in his chest that is pressing on his lungs. Dr Caldwell has stabilised him and is evaluating different treatments. Rey is comfortable right now, and has a good appetite but can only eat small portions. Much Love to Rey and wishing for him to come home again to be with brother Simba at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.

Thank you to everyone who has been sending “Get Well” wishes to Rey Ayacucho, who is currently in hospital at the Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic. You will be pleased to know that Rey is looking much brighter and has regained some of his appetite. Lions are so stoic, as in the wild it is not safe to show any weakness, which is a big concern when one of our ADI Wildlife Sanctuary circus survivors starts looking unwell. Rey is under the watchful eye of Dr Peter Caldwell and will be having some tests, so we are all hoping for the best and seeing him back at the Sanctuary soon with his friend and brother Simba.

Dr Peter Caldwell has had a busy day at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary checking our residents. Five lions were sedated for examination and blood/urine samples for testing: ReyA, Leo, Muñeca, Kiara2 and Africa. The most common health issues that our rescued lions face are related to the abuse and deprivation suffered in their former circus life, including: dental problems due to teeth being smashed and left to get infected, eye problems from malnutrition or brain damage from blows to the head and arthritis due to lack of exercise and living on hard, urine-soaked boards. We will often see a significant improvement in cataracts when the lions are put on a healthy diet and the problems can be held at bay for several years, but it does tend to return. ADI rescued all of these lions from circuses in Peru 8 years ago.

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.

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.

Get well soon Tarzan and Tanya. ADI Wildlife Sanctuary sweethearts are recovering at Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic under the watchful eye of Dr Peter Caldwell following dental surgery performed by Dr Gerhard Steenkamp. Circus lions and tigers often have teeth broken when they are hit in the face and it can lead to a lifetime of silent suffering. Many will remember how subdued Tarzan was when we rescued him from a circus in Guatemala – he tucked himself in a corner while Tanya stood guard. After emergency dental work to relieve his pain in our Guatemala field hospital he bounced back and was playing with toys. That was almost four years ago and Tarzan and Tanya were both in need of more treatment. Tarzan will in fact have additional dental work later this week and Tanya will remain in hospital with him until they can return to the sanctuary together.