In an extraordinary display of companionship, three unlikely “brothers” – Baloo, the American black bear; Leo, the African lion; and Shere Khan, the Bengal tiger – have formed an inseparable bond at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Georgia. The trio was rescued from a basement during a drug raid in Atlanta in 2001.
As cubs, all three animals suffered from abuse and neglect. Leo was kept in a tiny cage and had an infected wound on his nose, while Baloo was discovered with a harness deeply embedded into his flesh due to neglectful caretaking.
The three were malnourished and infested with internal and external parasites when they were found.
Watch the video at the end.
Baloo the bear, Leo the lion, and Shere Khan the tiger live at the Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter together in Georgia. Source: Daily Mail
The “brothers” were only separated when Baloo underwent surgery to remove his ingrown harness. Leo and Shere Khan became noticeably distressed during this brief separation. Once reunited, the trio has remained inseparable, living harmoniously in their sanctuary home.
Deeming them too injured for rehabilitation and release back into the wild, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary has provided a haven for the unique family.
The trio spends their days cuddling, eating, sleeping, and playing together, providing comfort and support to one another.
The ‘brothers’ were rescued from a basement during a police drug raid in 2001 and were brought to the shelter. Source: Daily Mail
Baloo the bear had to have surgery to remove a harness that had become ingrown into his skin while the cubs were trapped in the Atlanta basement. Source: Daily Mail
Allison Hedgecoth, the curator of Noah’s Ark, affirms that their bond has only grown stronger over time.
Although they have slowed down a bit since their youth, Hedgecoth confirms that the three will continue to live out their days together in a loving, healthy environment.
That was the only period the three were separated and Noah’s Ark said it caused Leo the lion and Shere Khan the tiger great distress. Source: Daily Mail
Together forever: After Baloo’s surgery, the three were reunited and have not left each other’s side in 15 years. Source: Daily Mail
Baloo, Leo, and Shere Khan live, play, eat, and sleep together in the same enclosure, which provides them with everything they could ever need. Source: Daily Mail
The animals are now in their golden years and have slowed down a considerable amount but are still happy. Source: Daily Mail
Bengal tigers are found primarily in India, with small populations in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. Source: Daily Mai
The omnivorous American black is the continent’s smallest and most widely distributed bear species. Source:Daily Mail
African lions, from sub-Sahara Africa, are the second largest big cat species in the world after tigers. Source: Daily Mail
The three will live out the remainder of their days with each other in the safety of Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter. Source: Daily Mail
Watch the video below: