lion

Peek-a-boo

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16-year-old Kiara2 is one of our seniors at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary but hasn’t lost any of her stalking ability. We cut the grass in sections of the habitats to encourage the next season’s growth, but Kiara2 still manages to flatten herself in the short grass as she creeps forward before springing up to check out whoever is passing by. Daughter of Leo and Muñeca, she lives with, sister from another litter, 12-year-old Africa. She was rescued from a tiny circus cage in the desert in Peru during ADI’s Operation Spirit of Freedom, and this year, celebrates 10 years in ADI care.

Click here to help Kiara continue to thrive in her natural, wild space.

Kesari’s catnip fun

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Mighty Kesari is reduced to a playful kitty when it comes to catnip. The huge lion loves the recycled coffee sacks stuffed with hay and catnip given as enrichment at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Although our residents have huge enclosures this type of enrichment provides additional stimulation and fun.

Click here to donate towards more enrichment for Kesari and the other big cats.

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Blending in

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Shujaa looks right at home at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa and that’s not surprising since he’s back where nature intended! One of the Kuwait 6 lions rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade, having been dumped in the streets of Kuwait City, he now shares the 4-acre Abbey Habitat with his brother Saham. The boys have trees to lounge under and tall grass to stalk through. The choice is theirs. Please keep sharing their story and help support their care in their new life.

To adopt Shujaa or the two brothers as a pair: UK store | US store

More memories of Easy

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While it is heartbreaking to say goodbye to this magnificent lioness, please look through these pictures and remember how ADI supporters transformed her life. Rescued from a circus in Colombia ten years ago she crossed the world to live as a lion should at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. In her natural homeland, the images show how lions should live, such a contrast to circus and zoo life (third from last pic shows Easy’s last day in her circus cage). The second to last pic is of Easy in the ADI Temporary Rescue Unit in Colombia, it shows how the fur on her forehead formed a heart. The mark was less clear over time but she always had a great big heart. Our thanks for the many kind comments, she touched all of our lives.

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Out in Africa!

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Shujaa is the first of the Kuwait 6 lions to head out into their main habitats at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary following a period of quarantine and observation. Doesn’t he look right at home? A lion where he should be, home in Africa. Once he was dumped, an unwanted status symbol pet, on the streets of Kuwait City, now he has his own 4 acres of natural African habitat to share with brother Saham. Cautious Saham has not ventured out yet, but Shujaa was quick to explore, smell the trees and scent mark.

Please consider adopting Shujaa and/or any of the other Kuwait 6 lions to help support their ongoing care. UK store | US store

Saif tackles his catnip sack

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When ADI visited Kuwait Zoo to meet the lions rescued from the pet trade and needing homes, friendly Saif just wanted to be loved. He had a zest and hope for life in his eyes, excited about everything. Now, he has his whole life ahead of him in our place of loving kindness where he can play with his catnip sack until it is destroyed, move onto the teff hay insulation bales, and take them apart, too. He can do no wrong. We are looking forward to the day he gives voice when the sanctuary residents sing their morning and evening songs. Thank you for supporting dear Saif!

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Shujaa’s house

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One of the most moving things when we first rescue any animals who have suffered at the hands of humans, is how they respond to having their own houses and spaces, even toys. It is heartbreaking to see how much it means to them to have something of their own, moving things around their habitats as they please, nobody telling them what to do. We will never forget how we saw Ruben gather all his enrichment together, carrying them into his A-Frame sun shelter. It reminds us of how absolutely everything that gives joy and makes life worthwhile, is taken from these animals. Our job is to give back that sense of self-determination, freedom, and joy for life among their own kind.

Shujaa is now halfway through his quarantine period, since arriving last week from Kuwait where he was rescued with brother Saham from the illegal wildlife trade. Soon he will have access to a 4 acre natural habitat, three platform dens similar to this plus his brick built house.

To adopt Shujaa and help provide his ongoing care: UK store | US store