lion

Smith on the mend

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We are delighted to report that the much-loved Smith is regaining his appetite under Dr Peter Caldwell’s watchful eye, at Old Chapel Veterinary Hospital. The huge lion has had x-rays, ultrasounds, and is now on medication and recovering from an intestinal inflammation. He will remain in hospital under observation until Dr Caldwell is satisfied he is ready to come home to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary and to his brother Rey Cusco. Keep sending your love for his speedy recovery.

Mr Smith has no mane because he was castrated in the circus in Peru, where he was rescued by ADI in 2014. He is 11 years old and weighs a whopping 187.kg – second only to our largest resident, Mr Kesari (192.kg).

Easy taking it easy

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Beautiful Easy, rescued from a circus in Colombia, and now taking it easy at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. At 17 years old, she is one of our senior lions. Like many of the lions rescued by ADI from circuses in Colombia and Peru in 2014, Easy is developing cataracts, often instigated by years of malnutrition early in life, but this is not causing her problems exploring Camo Habitat with companion David. The two were the first success story of our program to bring lonely lions together and are clearly loving life together.

To adopt our senior lioness Easy and help support her care:

Adopt Easy $
Adopt Easy £

Our old warrior Leo

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Our old warrior, Leo, rescued from a circus in Peru, enjoys some sunshine at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. Leo seems to have coped well with the sad passing of his lifelong companion Muñeca. But at 20 years old (at least) dear Leo is slowing down and starting to show his age. That doesn’t stop him exploring the whole of the almost 4-acre Abbey Habitat. We recently added a new platform den (with wood supplied by Trees for Tigers) so that Leo could easily find shelter when exploring the south end of the habitat. Here’s to many more years in the sunshine for our most senior lion.

You can adopt Leo to help support his care in his golden years.

Adopt $
Adopt £

Art auction to help lonely lion Ruben

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Featuring seven beautiful works of animal art, the Animal Art Auction for Animal Defenders International is an incredible opportunity to own, or give as a gift, a unique piece of artwork AND support ADI’s rescue work. The six artists featured have kindly donated their work for the animals so ALL funds raised will go to HELP THE WORLD’S LONELIEST LION GO HOME – if you like what you see, PLACE A BID STARTING SATURDAY! 

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Here comes the summmer!

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Yes, while many ADI supporters are wrapping up for winter, today is the second day of summer at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. It’s the time of year when Africa, pictured, and the other lions and tigers sprawl out and snooze in the morning sunshine on their platforms. Only when it gets really hot will she head to the shade under the trees, below the platform or in her house. Saved from a circus in Peru, we can’t turn back the clock but we can give animals like Africa a life as close to what nature intended for her. Today, that means lazing in the African sunshine and as the day cools and the sun sets, patrolling Davis Habitat with sister Kiara2.

To adopt Africa and help with her lifetime care she deserves:

Adopt Africa US $
Adopt Africa UK £

PS: The Giving Tuesday target of Phase 1 to bring Ruben, the Armenian lion, to the sanctuary has been hit. THANK YOU

Mighty Simba

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Simba is one of the senior residents at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. He’s a bit wobbly on his feet these days and is treated for arthritis in his hind legs but there’s no doubt he still looks magnificent. His arthritis is a result of his early years in a cramped circus cage in Peru before ADI rescued him and his constant companion Rey. Earlier this year we added extra steps to his platform to help him up and down after a hospital visit when his arthritis seemed to be catching up. Simba ignored them, leaping up and down as he’d always done – that’s his choice! An old warrior living with dignity, home in Africa, in Guibord-Sprague Habitat at the ADIWS.

Adopt Simba

Sasha having a spooktacular time

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It’s not just fun, it’s physiotherapy for lioness with titanium replacing part of her leg bone.

Now at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa, Sasha was in severe pain when she was rescued by ADI from a Guatemalan circus. The circus had cut off her toes in a brutal declawing operation, crushing a toe in the process, which became infected and developed cancer. Dr. Peter Caldwell performed ground-breaking surgery in South Africa replacing diseased bone with a titanium implant. Since then she has been pain-free, and plays vigorously, but continues to limp because after years of doing so the tendons had shortened. So play like this is great fun and important physiotherapy as Sasha grapples with her swing with both front paws.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to send more pumpkins to the lions and tigers.

Just a small amount – for example the cost of a cup of coffee – helps provide treats and fun for the lions and tigers at ADIWS.

Sponsor a pumpkin