Simba, a young lion rescued from distress in a Moscow suburb, has begun a new chapter of life at a wildlife sanctuary in Italy. Found abandoned as a cub in Russia, Simba’s tale highlights the perils of the illegal wildlife trade.
Discovered emaciated and mewling in a cardboard box within a deserted garage near Moscow in 2020, Simba’s condition was dire.
Just weeks old and severely weakened by a skin condition that left him furless, he could barely stand.
Rescued by volunteers in the summer of 2020, Simba was brought to the Wildlife Hospital Foundation, receiving care and rehabilitation. However, space limitations necessitated finding a new home for him.
The Born Free Foundation, renowned for its efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals, stepped in to orchestrate Simba’s journey to safety.
Coordinating with wildlife centers across three countries, the Foundation ensured Simba’s well-being.
After a temporary stay at Natuurhulpcentrum Wildlife Rescue Centre in Belgium, Simba’s permanent home was secured at Animanatura Wild Sanctuary in Tuscany, Italy. His 800-kilometer overland journey commenced from Belgium to Italy in June 2024.
Currently housed in a temporary enclosure, Simba awaits the completion of a purpose-built area at the sanctuary, for which Born Free has launched an appeal.
Born Free’s Executive President and Co-Founder, Will Travers, emphasizes the significance of Simba’s story in advocating for the protection of wild animals.
With 2022 declared the ‘Year of the Lion,’ Born Free underscores the urgency of safeguarding the future of these majestic creatures, citing a drastic decline in lion populations over the past decades.
Simba’s journey from abandonment to sanctuary is a poignant reminder of the importance of combatting wildlife exploitation, echoing Born Free’s ongoing mission to protect and preserve Earth’s wildlife.
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