24/01/2025
It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of Simba’s passing. 🌈🦁
For the past three years this incredible lion touched many hearts at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary. At just 6 years old, he already faced numerous challenges in his life. Exploited in a music video, Simba lived many years neglected and alone in private keeping in Romania.
After long negotiations, FOUR PAWS successfully convinced the owner to hand over Simba and his six siblings and on the 1st of October in 2021 he finally arrived at his new home. 🌳
It was clear to us from the start that Simba was a vulnerable animal with many physical and mental health problems, such as severe malformations in his skeletal system and neurological issues.
Thanks to our dedicated team and the intensive special care we provided over the years, Simba turned into a completely new lion. He was thriving, showing his playful character and enjoying life in a way we had always hoped.
Sadly, in the last few days his health took a heartbreaking turn. Our veterinarian examined Simba under anaesthesia, performed a CT scan, ultrasound and collected blood samples that were immediately analysed. The examination sadly revealed that Simba was suffering from multiple health issues, in addition to the conditions he already had. He had a severe anaemia and abnormalities in his stomach wall. His condition was sadly irreversible and based on our veterinarian expertise and years of experience, we made the difficult decision to let him go. 💔
We are proud to have been part of his journey in becoming a playful lion again and to have given him a second chance at life. 🌼
It’s devastating to say goodbye to such a special, friendly animal but when hope for improvement fades, our final act of care is to prevent suffering. Our hearts are broken, but Simba will always remain in our memories. 💕
Farewell, beautiful Simba!
We had to say goodbye to you way too soon. 🌈
📸: © FOUR PAWS | Jeanine Noordermeer
