It was the best of times and the worst of times in just a week…

Little Shetani (meaning Egyptian Lion Goddess), a white lion cub was rescued by Riana last week Monday evening. Shetani had been without food or water since the previous Saturday. We knew that we had our hands full and that she would need constant monitoring and heaps of love. Never shy of a challenge, Lizaene and Riana taught her how to suck so that she could drink her bottle every few hours. But little one was a fighter and full of courage and showed a turn for the better on Wednesday. She loved to snuggle, yawned lots and in true lion style and spirit managed to creep into our hearts from the second we laid eyes on her. We know that Jack, our white lion cub that went to animal heaven last year, must have sent her. They had the same noses! Shetani bathed in our love and we thrived on her progress. We had already pictured her walking around one day chasing the butterflies and really ruling the roost. We had decided that she and Achilles would be in an enclosure together. We had so needed this positive bundle in our lives. Then…on Thursday night our hopes, faith, dreams and lives were shattered as she suffered the first of many attacks. Lizaene nursing her through each one.

She passed on late on Friday evening, we think due to heart failure. This tiny bundle of life and soul, that could just fit into one hand, had left us so suddenly. We know that she was an angel who was sent to bless us and make us realise once again just what we do at Cheetah Experience. We love, we learn, we hurt, we mourn and we do it all again, with more love and enthusiasm each time. There are always happy endings: our lives are richer, our animal bonds grow stronger and we appreciate just how fortunate we are to do what we do, day in and day out.

Shetani, keep smiling and keep shining. ‘Til we meet again…

Our brave baby, just 4 days old...

It was the best of times and the worst of times in just a week…

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