And not a moment too soon! This is a heartbreaking story but it has a happy ending.
A lion cub, by the name of Simba, was one a few weeks old when he was taken away from his mother and forced to pose for pictures with tourists.
The Russian owners were dragging the poor cub around and using him as a prop for tourists and their holiday photos. And as Simba grew, the owners broke his legs to keep him from running away.
Tortured and beaten by his owners, the lion soon became ill to the point of death, according to reports.
Simba was no longer able to take photos with tourists, due to his ill state, that the owners had tied him up and dumped him in a dilapidated barn in Russia.
It is at the moment that Simba would be rescued from his life of torture. Yulia Agaeva, one of Simba's rescuers, had said, "This was a real hell. He was practically not fed, and for some reason in the frost. Water was constantly poured over him."
News of Simba's cruel torture spread across Russia, and even Vladimir Putin personally ordered a criminal probe into this senseless cruelty.
Karen Dallakyan, the veterinary surgeon who saved Simba's life, helped Simba regain the use of his legs, thanks to several surgeries. Dallakyan had said that Simba suffered an "ocean of pain from humans" and that the recovery was a "miracle".
There had been over 30 offers from organizations to take the cub in, but Yulia was convinced that Tanzania, a rehabilitation center, was the right choice.
"The rehabilitation center we selected employs highly trained, kind, animal-loving doctors who will take care of Simba 24/7. It is located in a beautiful area where elephants, zebras, caracals, servals, and other fauna live near Mount Kilimanjaro," said Yulia.
Simba will have a "huge unfenced space" to roam.
Simba's transfer to a better life is expected at the end of this month.
Our hearts break for this little cub and wish him all the best. We love you, Simba!
Story via The Sun
