The huge, beloved lion remains in hospital where Dr Caldwell has concluded that the root of his ill health issues is a heart problem. As our pic shows, Smith is relaxed and he is eating and taking his medication, but his condition is serious and Dr Caldwell will do what he can for our boy. We dearly hope that he will be back at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary soon. Please send your love, thoughts and prayers to Smith. (Smith has no mane because he was castrated before ADI rescued him from a circus in Peru)

Smith is responding to treatment at Old Chapel Veterinary Hospital in Dr Peter Caldwell’s care and seems to be regaining his strength now. He enjoys sunning himself in the tunnel outside his hospital room and happily takes his medications out there (third pic). Good news is that he is eating 4kg a day. We can’t wait to get our big old boy back to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary but want to get him back to his old self.

We are so grateful to an anonymous donor who has supported the ADIWS veterinary costs. With the background of these animals and the fact that many are getting older now, this would have been a very difficult challenge without their help. Please remember that it is often the day to day, long term care of animals, feeding, transport, staff to look after them etc, for the years after they have been rescued that pose the biggest challenge for ourselves and indeed many sanctuaries.

Please send your thoughts and love to Smith, who is back in hospital. We were so pleased when Smith appeared to have bounced back after a slow recovery from a gastric infection, and was reunited with his brother Rey Cusco. Sadly, Smith’s condition deteriorated again, he stopped eating so we quickly got him back to Dr Caldwell at Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic. The pictures today show Smith is already looking brighter, and has eaten a little. He is having tests to find out what the problem is, so Smith will remain under observation for a while. We are all concerned but hoping for the best.