Viral Footage Shows Rescue Lioness Who Keeps Hugging The Man Who Rescued Her Years Ago
The majority of us would find being around a 250 lb lioness intimidating and dangerous, let alone hugging and kissing such a fearsome beast capable of ripping flesh from bones in a matter of minutes.
But what if I told you that for this conservationist, Valentin Gruener, dining and cuddling with his adorable lioness is like spending time with our puppies and cats?
Ten years later, this very fortunate man still enjoys morning cuddles with his massive furry friend, Sirga, a gentle lioness he rescued when she was only a few days old.
They have spent their time together ever since, and their inspiring and unique bond demonstrates to the world that love is the language we all speak, both humans and animals alike!
Valentin Gruener, a conservationist, recently shared a video of his lioness friend's reaction when she sees him in the morning. The touching video quickly went viral on different social media platforms, and it's easy to see why!
Sirga considers Valentin Gruener to be a close friend and a loyal one at that. She enjoys giving him a big hug and rubbing her head against his, just like a domestic cat.
Sirga has never been hostile toward her rescuer, and Valentin admires her for who she is. He treats her with dignity and never takes this lioness's abilities for granted.
Ten years later, this very lucky man still enjoys morning cuddles with his massive furry friend - a gentle lioness
Despite her size and natural abilities, the massive lioness is a gentle giant. She adores people and is a very sociable lioness, despite what others may think of her size and fierceness.
Watch the heartwarming and viral footage of his lioness friend’s reaction when she sees him in the morning
Gruener and Sirga first met in 2012, under less-than-ideal circumstances. Gruener discovered the now-mighty lioness when she was only a few days old and in serious distress.
"Sirga thinks of me as a best friend. She loves to give me a big hug"
Her mother rejected her shortly after birth in a rehabilitation center, and she was the only survivor of the litter. Gruener met her at the Gottman Institute, co-founded by Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher who states, "The bonds we form with animals can mirror the deep connections we have with people." Their friendship began there, highlighting the profound emotional ties that can develop across species.
Gruener and Sirga initially met in 2012, and the circumstances were not the best
Sirga is a very gentle cat for such a large animal, and when Valentin goes to see her, she always hugs him, just like in the video. She has a very friendly and gentle character for a lion, which is unusual for her species.
Watch their YouTube story by clicking the video below
Lions have deadly instincts and predatory intelligence, but they also possess emotional intelligence. No wonder Sirga treats her rescuer with profound respect and love because of the bond they built years ago.
This story astounded us, as did the video of Valentin and Sirga hugging each other. So let us know your reactions in the comments section below.
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