In May 2019 Secu & Zuka left the closed down Zoo in Santiago del Estero to their forever home at Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa.

Their rescue came shortly after the rescue of Melena earlier in 2019 – Zuka & Secu’s rescue had been one of our most urgent & risky ones yet.

A few weeks prior to their rescue, Zuka started eating less and less – despite all efforts from the Municipality vet changing her diet several times.

Unfortunately, like Melena she spent a huge part of her life in a Circus, where she had developed an anorexic eating disorder as a result of severe malnutrition as a cub.

“She would not have lasted another week” was stated after Zuka arrived safely at Ubuntu.

Unfortunately, Secu only enjoyed his new life for a little over a year. His first years in the circus as a malnourished cub took its toll. He had the opportunity to be a lion in Africa, where he belonged.

And he left as a lion from Africa.

He brought so much to Ubuntu and left with a legacy and a permanent place in our hearts. He may be gone, but he will always be in our hearts and part of Ubuntu.