Our tribute to Saida
With deep sadness we recently had to say goodbye to 17-year-old lioness Saida, a precious member of our rescued Lions of Lockdown pride, at our sanctuary in South Africa.
Saida at Shamwari (c) Born Free
Saida the lioness arrived at Born Free’s big cat sanctuary in Shamwari Private Game Reserve in February 2022, having previously been in the circus industry, together with the other members of her ‘pride’ – Louga, Angela and Bellone.
Prior to their rescue, their lives involved performing unnatural tricks on a daily basis to entertain audiences in a loud, noisy environment. When not performing, they were kept in small, cramped conditions, and forced to travel miles around Europe, in their rusty beast wagon as the circus toured from city to city.
With the help of our supporters, Born Free had launched a fundraising appeal to rehome the four lions, who had been taken in by our friends at Tonga Terre d’Accueil – a halfway house in France, when their owner gave them up. Safe at Shamwari, we could lavish them with the best possible care. It was heartwarming to see how they transformed in their new home, living enriched and satisfied lives in their spacious bush enclosure.
Away from the oppression of the circus life, Saida began to develop a feisty nature and was considered by her carers to be the dominant lion, to the more docile and laidback male Louga, and two other females Angela and Bellone. Saida preferred to spend her time in the large, outdoor space and avoided using her night house whenever she could.
Earlier this year, we were so very sad to have to say goodbye to Louga, who had chronic kidney failure – not uncommon in big cats who have been exploited in captivity. But then, very sadly, Saida began to develop seizures and associated symptoms, that became difficult to manage.
The Shamwari vet and our devoted animal care team did everything they could to help her. They conducted careful tests and examinations to try to determine the root cause, whilst providing treatment to alleviate the symptoms and keep Saida as comfortable as they possibly could. Sadly, despite their efforts, no clear diagnosis could be determined and Saida continued to decline.
After exhausting all options, we realised that the kindest course of action was to gently put Saida to sleep. Sadly, it is not uncommon for big cats who have been exploited in captivity from such a young age, and received completely inadequate care for much of their life, to have underlaying health conditions that go undetected until later in life.
Our thoughts go to our colleagues at Shamwari who took such dedicated care of dear Saida. Angela and Bellone are being very closely monitored as they adjust to living as a pair. Rest well, dear Saida, you will be deeply missed.
SAIDA
