We can never understand how someone can take a beauty animal like a lion and subject them to a life of misery. Yet, people do, and animals rescuers are often forced to step in and help those animals in need.
Back in 2009, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) received a tip that an entertainment facility in Texas had been abusing large wild cats for the sake of showing them off at weddings, birthdays, and other events.
Investigators at the USDA quickly jumped in to rescue the animals and deliver them to the In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center, where they hoped the rescue center would give the beautiful creatures a second chance in life.
Two of the lions, Khan and Sheila, not only thrives in the new environment — they fell in love.
Kahn was rescued along with two tigers from an abusive entertainment facility. The male lion weighed 100 pounds less than he should have. He also suffered from severe bone issues that made climbing a daily struggle.
The lion was constantly chewing and sucking on his tail out of stress and boredom, leaving the tip of his tail raw and swollen.
But with freedom, love, and some proper care, Kahn started to heal.
A few months later, the USDA confiscated Sheila and two male lions from the same facility. Rescuers didn’t expect Sheila to survive because her muscle coordination was so bad that she could barely lift her head to drink water.
Rescuers at the facility stuck by Sheila’s side and hand-fed her food and medicine so she could regain her strength.
In-Sync explained her recovery in a Facebook post: “Sheila has made remarkable improvement. She has regained muscle control, swallows easily, and runs and hops like a bunny.”
Once Sheila was feeling better, rescuers gave her and Kahn short playdates together. The moment they met it was obvious that they were madly in love.
Vicky Keahey, In-Sync’s founder, told the Dodo, “Sheila spent the next few months showing off for Kahn, and Kahn strutted his stuff for her.”
After Sheila was spayed the lion couple were allowed to move in together.
“We did short dates every day, then the dates got longer, and then the dates became unsupervised,” Keahey said.
The two animals now share a connection that even many humans never see.
Thanks to In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center, this lion couple will now live out their lives together in peace.
Please share Sheila and Khan’s story with anyone who loves animals and a great love story.
