A tribute to Alpha
With great sadness, we recently had to say goodbye to Alpha, a precious rescued lioness, cared for at the Born Free Rescue Section at Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, South Africa.
Alpha © Panthera Africa
Alpha and her sister Cora were born into the zoo industry and lived for many years in Pena Escrita Zoo, in southern Spain, where they endured cramped conditions and poor nutrition. Thankfully, in January 2017, Alpha and Cora were removed from the zoo following its closure – due to bankruptcy and animal welfare concerns.
The pair was taken temporarily to our friends at Natuurhulpcentrum, a wildlife rescue centre in Belgium, where they received expert care while a permanent home was found. We constructed a natural habitat enclosure for Alpha and Cora in South Africa, within the Born Free Rescue Section at Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, funded by our partner, British Airways Holidays. In October 2019, we flew them to their new home and here, under the African sun, they found a new lease of life. Their mobility, health, and spirits rapidly improved as they clearly enjoyed their spacious enclosure.
The team at Panthera Africa has taken exceptional care of Alpha. Her dedicated carers provided daily environmental enrichment, ensuring she received a high-quality diet, nutritional supplements and first-class veterinary care. Alpha has wanted for nothing, especially over these last few weeks.
At the grand age of 20 years old, Alpha had started to slow down and, in recent weeks, her health had been fluctuating. The Panthera Africa team did all they could to support her during this time and, having seen Alpha pick up for a time, she then sadly deteriorated further. We, Born Fee, Panthera Africa and their vet knew it was time to say goodbye and Alpha was gently put to sleep.
Thankfully, Cora is doing remarkably well after losing her sister and life-long companion. She is eating, roaming her enclosure and joining in the early morning lion-roar-chorus across the sanctuary. She is however, being monitored extremely closely and given a little extra love and treats in this difficult transition period.
“Alpha was a force of nature – a fierce lioness with the softness of sunshine and a wildness that could never be stolen,” said Taryn Shanna Blows, Director and Head Animal Caretaker at Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary. “I remember the first day I met her so clearly, I heard and felt her roar before I actually saw her, and I was instantly in love. The space she leaves behind will be felt for a long, long time. Until we meet again, rest well my queen I will love you forever.”
We are so very sad to lose Alpha and know she will be sorely missed by all at Panthera Africa, and not least by her sister Cora. Sleep easy Alpha, we are proud to have brought you the love and comfort you deserved in your last few years.
ALPHA
