Pythagoras nervously peered towards the nearby enclosure, sensing a new presence of a young lion cub being placed there. They were brought together, getting acquainted to start building a relationship. Their caretakers hoped that in a sanctuary in South Africa, they would eventually become companions.
According to rescuers, the two lion cubs are siblings.
Both lion cubs have undergone varying degrees of trauma but ultimately found their way to the Drakenstein Lion Park, as they were separated from their birthplace in Lebanon and rescued from captivity at around 4 months old. Pythagoras — also known as “Pi,” perhaps endured more hardships than its sister Freya. Now, they have concluded their long journey and arrived at their permanent home, beginning a new healing journey, with many hoping for their growth and well-being.
Little is known about the background of these sibling cubs, limited to social media posts and information gathered by rescuers during their extraction and care process from hazardous situations. Pi was the first cub to surface, with a video from March 5 showing Pi with captors shocking Maggie Shaarawi from the Lebanese Animal Organization. The video depicted Pi being dragged by a chain around its neck from a wooden crate, roaring when the captors attempted to grab its mane.
A second video of Pi surfaced on March 8, as this cub mysteriously disappeared from the captors’ supervision, only to reappear elsewhere. The video showed Pi being confined in a cardboard box, its mouth taped shut, surrounded by onlookers petting and recording with their phones, laughing while tugging at its ears.
A few minutes after seeing this video, Shaarawi called the Minister of Agriculture, pleading with him to join her in rescuing Pi. Authorities swiftly arrived at the scene in Tripoli, tore off the tape, seized the animal, conducted an examination, and transferred it to safety in a crate. Inside the crate, Pi was seen roaring after suffering trauma, displaying a fragile yet fierce demeanor. The perpetrator was detained.
Taking in Pi came with one condition: Shaarawi had to commit to its care.
In a video released by the organization, she said, “My mind was filled with images of lion cubs with their mouths taped shut, surrounded by people.”
The Lebanese Animal Organization has a long-standing partnership with the Drakenstein Lion Park in South Africa, as they regard the park as a genuine sanctuary in a nation that turns a blind eye to animals in need of protection. In South Africa, many reserves breed animals for tourists’ entertainment, a practice not allowed at Drakenstein. Just like the 19 lions previously rescued by the Lebanese Animal Organization, this sanctuary would be a fitting haven for Pi.
The biggest challenge was raising enough funds to send Pi away. Shaarawi fundraised $10,000 online. Pi needed a special crate for transport to South Africa, where it would be cared for by partners at the lion sanctuary, living out its days in an outdoor enclosure alongside other lions — because reintroducing captive-born lions to the wild is nearly impossible.
After spending less than two months with Shaarawi, Pi was transported to its new home on April 24, thanks to the acquired funds. Pi witnessed grass for the first time, heard the wind blowing through its prickling ears — sounds it had never experienced before, felt the sunlight on its fur and the grass beneath its feet, all of which greatly excited Pi. Though traumatized and fearful, it sensed Shaarawi’s warmth and sought her embrace when she brought it here.
Pi was rescued from a social media influencer, who purchased Pythagoras as a prop to gain followers, as Drakenstein Lion Park Assistant Director Shane Hart informed Epoch Times, “The influencer subjected Pi to shocking abuse while in captivity.”
As time goes by, Pi will gradually adjust. To make it feel at home, its enclosure was furnished with familiar plush toys, aiding in its transition. Better days lie ahead. Pi is finally home.
Soon, it will have a companion.
Shortly after Pi’s rescue, its sister Freya was sent to the Lebanese zoo due to health reasons. Hart mentioned that little is known about Freya’s previous owner, only that they wished for it to live out its days in the most natural environment at the Drakenstein sanctuary. Friends at the Lebanese Animal Organization took care of Freya until she could be transported in a custom travel crate to join Pi.
The former owner’s wish to send Freya to South Africa was quickly fulfilled.
Hart said, “Freya arrived tired from her journey but quickly proved to be very confident. Once both Pi and Freya are ready, they can live together.”
At 7 months old now, the same age as Pi, Freya’s physical condition has improved since transitioning to outdoor life. Although smaller than Pi, Freya is catching up fast. Given the South African winter, a sheltered enclosure with familiar pillows and toys has been arranged to keep Freya comfortable.
“On July 23, we settled her in a larger enclosure in the middle of the sanctuary, adjacent to Pi’s enclosure, so she can get used to having other lions nearby. This helps her familiarize herself with Pi and vice versa to eventually coexist peacefully,” Hart explained. “Our goal is for Freya and Pi to bond, to live harmoniously in the same enclosure, but it will take time and depend entirely on their respective progress. We will provide Freya with top-notch care, just like we do with other rescued animals, and accompany her throughout her life.”