A tribute to Louga
We are extremely saddened to share that we recently had to say goodbye to our beloved 16-year-old lion Louga, at our sanctuary in South Africa.
Louga in 2023 © Lyndon Brandt
One of our famous Lions of Lockdown Louga, along with three lionesses, Angela, Bellone and Saïda, arrived at our big cat sanctuary in Shamwari Private Game Reserve in February 2022. The move followed years of fundraising and planning, which had been complicated and delayed by the onset of covid.
Having been forced to perform in the big top for many years, the four lions had been surrendered by a travelling circus in 2018, after Louga attacked the circus owner. The four were given temporary refuge with our friends at Tonga Terre d’Accuei, a halfway house in France. Aged 11 years at the time of surrender, Louga had been in the circus industry all his life.
Louga, Angela, Bellone and Saïda
At Shamwari, we lavished the four lions with the best possible care. It was heartwarming to see how they transformed in their new home, living enriched and satisfied lives in their spacious bush enclosure. But then, very sadly, Louga was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure, in April this year. He had been receiving treatment to alleviate his symptoms. Sadly, conditions such as chronic kidney failure are not uncommon in big cats which have been exploited in captivity from such a young age, and had received completely inadequate care.
It is reassuring to know that Louga had been comfortable and content in himself during the past couple of months. But, we knew he was on borrowed time and the team knew when it was the right time to say goodbye and for him to be, very gently, put to sleep.
“We have buried Louga next to Sami, our rescued leopard, in our Garden of Remembrance,” explained our Shamwari Animal Care Manager Glen Vena. “He is amongst good friends.”
Heartbreaking as it is to let him go, we are honoured to have been able to provide Louga with a wonderful life. He was loved and properly cared for in his forever home at Shamwari in his last few years. Our thoughts go to our colleagues at Shamwari who took such dedicated care of him. Rest well, dear Louga, you will be deeply missed. Thank you for reminding us that every lion matters.
OUR BIG CAT SANCTUARY AT SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE