Two Former Circus Lions Feel Real Grass For The Very First Time, And Their Reaction Will Melt Your Heart
Two former circus lions finally touched real grass, and the moment was as emotional as it sounds.
Tarzan and Tanya spent more than eight years in a Guatemala-based circus, cramped in tiny cages and pushed through a life that left them frightened and worn down. When Animal Defenders International stepped in, the goal was simple, get them out and give them a chance to live like lions again.
What happened when they reached their sanctuary in South Africa is the part that stays with you.
Though lions are usually fearless, these two were very scared and confused when Jan and Tim, the president and vice-president of ADI, came to rescue them. The maltreatment they had suffered for so long left them scared both psychologically and physically.
Fortunately, they are in good hands now. Tanya and Tarzan were first taken to a rehabilitation center and then to their new home, an animal sanctuary in South Africa. That’s where they encountered real grass for the first time in their lives, and that moment was beautiful.
That first step onto grass said everything.
There is no data about the total number of lions living in captivity in the world. However, it is estimated that there are around 7,000 to 14,000 lions in captivity in South Africa.
The number for the USA is approximately 10,000. Unfortunately, many of these animals live in terrible conditions, menageries masquerading as rescue sanctuaries and unqualified roadside zoos operating with little oversight or accountability.
It’s hard not to think of the circus lion who touched grass for the first time in 13 years, after years in a tiny cage.
Lions can live and reproduce in captivity, but mortality rates among young, captive-bred lions are high.
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We wish Tanya and Tarzan all the best and hope they will be happy in their new home. At the same time, our hearts go out to all those poor animals still held in captivity.
Thankfully, there are signs that the situation is slowly improving. South Africa has announced it will end its captive lion industry in a major move for conservation that would outlaw the heavily criticized “canned hunting” of the big cats and the sale of their bones, as well as popular tourist experiences like petting cubs.
It’s a small win, but it matters.
For more about Tarzan and Tanya’s first real grass moment after circus abuse, read how these former circus lions felt grass under their paws for the first time.
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