Leo, the big lion who stole our hearts over the social media, has sadly passed away. The devastating news was recently announced by a representative for Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove, Georgia. You probably remember the amazing trio called BLT. Leo the lion was a part of a very unlikely friendship of three different species along with Baloo the bear and Shere Khan the tiger. They were rescued as cubs back in 2001 from a drug dealer’s house.
The animals were living in devastating conditions and they were comforting each other with their friendship until they got better with time, becoming inseparable for 15 years.
Sadly, Leo’s health has got worse this summer, which led to surgery.
“During the procedure, our veterinarians discovered that over 80% of Leo’s liver was full of inoperable masses and because of this, the heart wrenching decision was made to let him go,” a Noah’s Ark wrote officially.
On August 11th we said goodbye to our beloved Leo, the 15-year-old lion in our “BLT” trio. Leo hadn’t been himself the…
Posted by Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary: home of the BLT on Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Shere Khan and Baloo were given the opportunity to say goodbye to their best friend.
“It is highly likely that Baloo and Shere Khan knew their lion brother was terminally ill long before Leo began displaying outward symptoms,” said from the Noah’s Ark.
The rescue held a special celebration of life ceremony in honor to the gentle lion.
Leo was buried by the clubhouse where the brothers shared most of their time together, and there’s also a statue of a lion at the same place.
These amazing friends will always be in our hearts.