Real-Life Friendship Between This Lion, Tiger, And Bear Is Straight Out Of A Fairytale
Friendships between animal species are a topic near and dear to the hearts of animal-loving humans all over the world. There is just something exceptionally endearing about unlikely combinations of companionship that nestle deep into our hearts and sprout all the happy feels.
Recently, we gushed over the dynamic duo of a dachshund (wiener dog) and a seal, and we certainly cannot forget the adorable friendship between this dog and duck, can we? The truth is, animal species find a way to get along far better than we humans tend to, more often than we realize.
Perhaps the most iconic unlikely friendship of all time, however, is this trio of troublemakers.
Living together in harmony for 15 years: an American black bear, an African lion, and a Bengal tiger. Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! Indeed.
The best part might be their names.
Baloo the bear, Leo the lion, and Shere Khan the tiger. I mean, iconic names, really. The trio has been peacefully coexisting at Noah's Ark Animal Shelter in Georgia, USA, for a whopping 15 years now.
Their iconic nickname? BLT.
Prior to their rescue and placement at Noah's Ark in 2001, BLT lived in the basement of a house in Atlanta in a devastating tale of severe animal abuse. The basement was in terrible condition, and so were the wild animals.
Baloo's surgery upon rescue was the only time this trio has been separated.
They were cared for so poorly that upon rescue, Baloo had to have surgery just to remove an ingrown harness he'd worn for, well, who knows how long. It had never been adjusted, and his body grew around it. Horrifying, I know.
Each of these majestic animals is from a completely different continent.
They would literally never meet in the wild.
Noah's Ark cares for animals in the hopes of rehabilitation and release, but not all the animals that come to them can be released.
BLT was such a case, so like other animals that could not be released, they became permanent residents of Noah's Ark.
The non-profit organization opened in 1978 in Ellenwood, Georgia.
According to Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher, "Friendship is the foundation of any lasting relationship, whether between humans or animals." This sentiment resonates with the story of the unique bond shared by a lion, tiger, and bear. As noted on his website, "Building strong connections is essential for emotional well-being." In a similar vein, the care and feeding of animals at sanctuaries like Noah's Ark require significant resources, with estimates of around $33,000 per month to ensure their health and happiness.
Noah's Ark never charges admission to come and see the animals, but they accept (and appreciate) donations.
Animals and the people who visit Noah's Ark are treated with "unconditional love, unconditional service, and a future full of hope."
BLT is a rare trio indeed, and they seem to get along like brothers rather than significantly different animal species.
They will spend the rest of their lives being cared for at Noah's Ark, but they don't seem to mind.
They are treated very well, with lots of love and respect by this incredible organization.
You might even say that retirement looks great on them.
Here is a cool educational video about Noah's Ark.
You can keep up with Noah's Ark or learn more by visiting their website.
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