Melena, a 12 -year -old male lion rescued by a circus in Argentina, underwent three successful radical channels in Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary Near Mossel Bay along the garden route to the western cape – and now it recovers without pain.
The process, which costs about R45,000, was carried out by Dr Cedric Tutt, one of the two major dental cat in South Africa. Thanks to an explosion of donations from supporters both locally and abroad, funds increased in just 10 days.
“It was nervous-wracking to destroy an older lion, but Melena was brilliantly,” says Ubuntu wildlife Sanctuary Coo Lukas Swart.
“We can see that he eats more comfortable. It is clear that he feels relief. Food is not just about nutrition, it is how we take his medication and supplements to him. When he stopped eating properly, I knew he was in real pain. Now, seeing him capable of enjoying his food again, means that we can keep him healthy and give him the best quality of life. ”
See also: Where to find the wild in Cape Town
Melena’s story is excellent even from rescue standards. Born in captivity and is believed to have been part of a circus trip, he has survived cancer, a partial tail amputation and other health challenges.
His durability made him one of his favorite Ubuntu, which has rescued the compromised large cats since 2018, relocated in 2021 to a sacred 1,650 areas in the mountains between Mossel Bay and Oudshoorn-exactly in the garden, about five hours by car from Cape Town.
Unlike many sanctuaries, Ubuntu is not open to the public and does not allow animals to interact with 14 lions and two rescued tigers.
Instead, it finances its activities through voluntary programs, school camps and a patron plan, which allows participants to contribute to the maintenance of the sanctuary. Children over 12 are welcome with strict security measures. School groups are admitted to lessons in teamwork, responsibility and maintenance.
Volunteers from around the world are involved in practical conservation tasks, from animal care to clearing alien vegetation, with an active donor program, also adding Ububtu’s overall success, according to Swart.
For Melena, the support of this global community has already changed its world. “Every lion here has a difficult history,” says Swart. “But businesses like this show what is possible when people meet to give these animals the life they deserve. We are so grateful for all the support we have shown.”
Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary It is about 35 minutes from Mossel Bay on the garden route. To support their work or learn more about volunteering, visit Ubuntuwild.com.
ICYMI: You can visit these parks and stocks free in September!
