Mueca and Leo have been friends for almost their whole lives. Animal Defenders International intervened to save the family of lions and their young ones from a circus in Peru in 2014. (ADI). During their rescue, they were momentarily split apart, but other than that, they were never apart.
“Leo and their sons, Chino, Coco and Rolex, were successfully removed during a raid on the first day of the mission in August 2014, but the circus blocked the seizure partway through and then went into hiding,” Jan Creamer, president of ADI, told The Dodo.
“ADI caught up with them six months later and over 600 miles away, saving Muñeca and their daughters, Africa and Kiara … They were almost always together, exploring their 4-acre habitat and resting together under the trees.”
When Mueca unexpectedly became unwell in August, Leo’s already high level of concern for her increased.
Leo has always kept an eye on Mueca, but when she fell ill, it was evident to Creamer that something was amiss. He was observed attempting to calm her and to get her to eat.
While she was sick, Leo stood watch over Muñeca, and even cuddled her to try and help her feel better. In those moments, it was clear just how much the pair loved each other, a beautiful example of the way lions express their love.
“We have seen the closeness between lion companions and the bonds they share on many occasions,” Creamer said.
Leo and Mueca were frequently observed hugging throughout the course of their years together. Research has shown that cuddling helps lions improve their social relationships.
Mueca tragically went away in September at the age of 19. She passed away with the knowledge that Leo loved her deeply since he remained by her side right up until the very end.
Leo is grieving the death of his beloved Mueca, and his rescuers have been keeping a careful check on him. He has received a ton of additional attention and rewards to help him adjust.
Leo’s caring for Mueca was so admirable that everyone who was around him will remember it for years to come, despite the fact that losing Mueca was devastating.
0 Comments