Fifteen years ago, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary rescued three wild cubs: a baby Bengal tiger, a baby African lion, and a baby black bear.
Confined in the horrid depths of a basement in Atlanta, these three cubs had sustained terrible injuries, and were severely malnourished when found.
Fortunately, the wildlife sanctuary nursed them back to health — and since then, the three of them have never been separated again.
It’s wonderfully curious to see how these three wild animals interact day in and day out. Out in the wild, they would most likely never have gotten along, let alone crossed each other’s paths.
But here in the sanctuary, they have learned to live harmoniously and provide each other with much comfort and affection over the years.
Let’s give a shout out to all the animal sanctuaries out there — and to all volunteers who help keep rescued animals warm and safe!
Facebook/Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary
Fifteen years ago, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary,
a wildlife sanctuary in Locust Grove, GA, rescued three cubs: Leo, an
African lion, Baloo, an American black bear, and Shere Khan, a Bengal
tiger.
Facebook/Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary
All three cubs were found during a drug raid
on a home in Atlanta, where they were reportedly all held captive,
confined in small crates in the basement.
Each cub was less than a year old, and were severely malnourished.
Baloo the bear was badly infected by parasites, and Leo (shown here) had a terribly infected wound on his nose.
Each cub was less than a year old, and were severely malnourished.
Baloo the bear was badly infected by parasites, and Leo (shown here) had a terribly infected wound on his nose.
Facebook/Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary
Baloo was sent into surgery, and, according to the sanctuary, that was the only time the three of them had ever been separated for a long period of time
Facebook/Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary
Noah’s Ark made the decision to keep all
three cubs in the sanctuary, because their injuries were far too
debilitating for them to be rehabilitated and released back into the
wild.
And, in order to never separate them again, the staff at the sanctuary placed all three in the same living quarters.
And, in order to never separate them again, the staff at the sanctuary placed all three in the same living quarters.
Facebook/Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary
“All three are still equally affectionate with one another,” sanctuary curator Allison Hedgecoth told The Dodo.
“Shere Khan [the tiger] has always been mischievous, and even though he is getting older, this hasn’t changed him one bit.”
“Shere Khan [the tiger] has always been mischievous, and even though he is getting older, this hasn’t changed him one bit.”
Facebook/Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary
Frequently, animals in the wild are known for not getting along well.
Out there in the wild, life can be harsh and ruthless. But perhaps through their shared ordeal, these three animals have learned to love one another.
Out there in the wild, life can be harsh and ruthless. But perhaps through their shared ordeal, these three animals have learned to love one another.
Facebook/Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary
Today, they still eat, sleep, and play together, like they have done since they were infants.
But most importantly, they know to give comfort to each other, said Hedgecoth.
But most importantly, they know to give comfort to each other, said Hedgecoth.
Facebook/Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary