Arusha was rescued at the age of 14, along with two other lions, Zulu and Lufuno in April 2017, after their private owner and former animal trainer decided to relinquish the trio to Lions Tigers & Bears. Arusha was used as an animal performer in movies, television and live shows - a heinous and grueling life for any animal.
Arusha's former owner spent much of his life training lions for everything from circus acts to the movies. But, as time wore on, he began to feel more like an animal advocate than an animal trainer because he was always having to plead for better treatment of the animals. He has since ended his career because he believes that the animals deserve better and reqlinquished Arusha, Zulu and Louie to Lions Tigers & Bears.
After many months of treatment and ongoing palliative care, Arusha passed away on May 4, 2022 from her fight with cancer. She will be dearly missed by Louie and our entire Lions Tigers & Bears team. Arusha's story of perserverance will forever live on in our hearts and memory.
