On Tuesday at 10:00am, In-Sync personnel arrived at the Talley Road facility to pick-up Sabu. Sabu was found in his small lockout area with no water or shade. I'm told it took some time to load Sabu as he was not thrilled with the transporter, but he eventually went in with some coaching. Thank goodness no drugs were used on Sabu!
Sabu arrived at his new home to the sounds of the other lions singing a welcome call to him. Sabu apparently was surprised by the welcome from the other animals, picking up his ears and looking around at his new digs.
Happily, not long after he was placed in quarantine, Sabu went over and started kicking around his ball. It's been at least five years since Sabu had an opportunity to play with an enrichment toy, so I was thrilled Sabu was settling in so quickly at his new home.
Sabu still has problems with his hind legs and sadly the WAO has not been giving him enough medication to reduce the pain and inflammation in his hips. I am hoping with new medication, Sabu will start feeling even better.
I am so happy Sabu is at In-sync because I did not want him to die alone at the WAO. Sabu was literally the last lion to leave Talley Road, so for quite some time lived alone. My fear was "out of sight, out of mind" which means the only attention he probably received was once a week when his water bowl and enclosure was cleaned out or during feeding once per day. My poor baby!
Now, Sabu has lots of new neighbors (cougars, tigers, and lions) surrounding him plus he's receiving a lot of attention from the staff and friends. He will never be alone again!
Later:
Two hours after Sabu settled in he started "singing" with the other lions at In-Sync. I cannot believe how quickly he is settling in at his new home. What a God send Insyc is for Sabu!
Now for the pictures! Sabu out and about on May 18, 2011
Now for the videos. It was hard for me to watch Sabu moving so ackwardly. When I last saw in in April 2010, Sabu was walking just fine. What a difference a year makes. I pray that with medicine and proper care, Sabu's health improves greatly.
We think he either has a vitamin A deficiency, or back problems, which cause his mobility issues. We have taken in several cats previously who had vitamin A deficiencies, and they had very similar issues, but are great now! If it's something we can help him with, we will do so, but if it's a permanent condition, we'll just love him anyway! It's amazing to watch, he doesn't seem bothered by it at all, and happily roams all around his den area and playground! May 19, 2011
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