Remember Simba, the rescued lion? Four years ago, we launched an appeal to build him a purpose-built home, and you instantly responded. But, what happened next?
Simba enjoying the scenery in his new enclosure (c) Animanatura Wild Sanctuary
Thanks to your donations, five-year-old Simba – a victim of the cruel illegal wildlife trade – can now enjoy life in an extensive new enclosure, at Born Free’s partner sanctuary in Italy. It’s been quite a journey for this amazing, majestic young lion, and we’re so grateful to his generous Lifetime Carer, who helps look after him, and to Olsen Animal Trust and Julia and Paolo Grazian for their support.
Simba when he was first rescued
Back in September 2020, Simba was just weeks old when found in a garage, desperately crying for his lost mother, abandoned in a cardboard box in the suburbs of Moscow. Thankfully, the emaciated sickly cub was taken in and nursed back to health by Wild Nature Hospital. When they approached Born Free to ask if we could give him a forever home, we couldn’t say no!
So, in December 2021, we moved Simba to a half-way house with our expert friends at Natuurhulpcentrum in Belgium, while we made plans. Then, in June 2022, a glorious day dawned when Born Free relocated the youngster to his lifetime home, with some more incredible friends – Animanatura Wild Sanctuary, in Italy.
Housed in a spacious, but temporary grassy enclosure, Simba quickly settled into his home amidst Tuscany’s rolling hills. He clearly loved exploring, taking a stroll amidst the shady trees, scratching the bark, then playing tug of war with food enrichment – hung up high from a rope.
Thanks to your donations to our Build Simba a Home appeal, work could begin on an even bigger and better, purpose-built enclosure. A generous private donor, who prefers to remain anonymous, offered to become his Lifetime Carer – covering our annual costs of looking after Simba – loving specialised care, good food, nutritional supplements and any veterinary treatment needed.
Simba enjoying life in Italy
Today, Simba is five years old, and we recently received a heart-warming update from Animanatura Wild Sanctuary’s Lead For Overseas Projects, Lisa Russo. “There’s a special kind of magic in watching Simba live life to the fullest,” she explains. “Every day, his playful spirit, boundless curiosity, and gentle heart remind us just how resilient – and full of joy – lions can be.
“Simba’s story has now taken a wonderful new turn. He at last moved into his brand-new 5,000-square-metre habitat, a breathtaking space designed to let him roam explore and play. He’s been exploring every inch of his new territory with confidence, and settling into his cosy indoor shelter.
“His favourite things? His giant scratching post and his big hanging ball – which he bats, pounces on, and claims with all the power and grace of a true king at play. Simba’s hearty appetite remains as strong as ever! Watching him tuck into his meal – eyes gleaming, tail swishing in delight – is pure joy for our team who, with the wonderful support of his Lifetime Carer, care for him with endless love and devotion.”
It could all have been so different for Simba. Thank you, for the important part you have played in giving this remarkable lion the lifetime home and care he deserves. Meanwhile, our work continues to end the illegal trade in wild animals.
