hospital

Tarzan & Tanya head to the dentist

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Sanctuary sweethearts Tarzan and Tanya, the lions ADI rescued from a circus in Guatemala, have won everyone’s hearts by their devotion to each other, but now they need dental work. Tooth damage is one of the most common problems we face when rescuing lions and tigers from circuses. When we took Tarzan from the circus in 2018, he was in pain, and both he and Tanya needed immediate attention in our Temporary Rescue Unit field hospital. Dental surgery transformed Tarzan.

At the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa we are therefore always on the alert for any problems with eating, in case it is problems with their teeth. Dr Peter Caldwell examined them both and they have been taken to his hospital to for dental work.

Obviously, if Tanya or Tarzan must go to hospital, they must go together! We will report back when they have seen the dentist, but for now, they are right next to each other and enjoying all the attention.

Bolillo is home from hospital

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Bolillo returned from hospital to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary yesterday with a new treatment regime for his arthritis and is moving around Augie Habitat more comfortably. Bolillo was rescued from a circus in Colombia seven years ago, where he and another lion had lived in a space the size of a queen-sized bed for almost a decade. With poor food, no exercise and living on urine-soaked boards, little wonder arthritis and other ailments catch up with these lions in later life.

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Two senior lions in hospital

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Please send your love to Colombian boys Bolillo and Zeus from the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary who are currently in Dr Peter Caldwell’s hospital under observation. The 16-year old lions were rescued by ADI from the same circus in Colombia seven years ago, where they suffered appalling conditions. This year, the past seems to be catching up with several of the lions we saved in Colombia.

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Leo is home with Muñeca.

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Leo is back at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary after a spell in hospital. Our old warrior looked very much his old self, as he checked out his feeding camp and house and was then reunited with Muñeca, before they headed out into their Abbey Habitat together. Leo is coping well having had an eye removed by veterinarian Dr Peter Caldwell. His spatial awareness and ability to find his way around seem unimpaired.

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Sombra relaxing in hospital after seizure scare

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The ADI Wildlife Sanctuary team leapt into action when Sombra appeared to have had a seizure.  Slightly unsteady on her feet she was enticed into a travel crate and our veterinarian Dr Caldwell, arranged an MRI to check her brain. GOOD NEWS: Sombra’s MRI is clear of seizure damage, but she has been put on seizure medication and will have to be monitored. 

THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CIRCUS SUFFERING:  The poor circus diet fed to this tiger family lacked important vitamins – this, and inbreeding, resulted in poor development as cubs, so the nerves at the base of their skulls are restricted. This causes the seizures. Tragically, this led to dear Bimbi passing away. It’s a relief that Sombra’s MRI did not reveal the same level of damage as Bimbi. In daughters Jade and Luna, the problem shows in their unnatural gait on their front legs. 

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