Wildlife conservationist Valentin Gruener is the “guardian angel” and also the best friend of Sirga, a 9-year-old lioness. Videos capturing the moments of Sirga embracing her “guardian angel” have been shared by millions around the world.
Sirga was rescued by Gruener in 2012 when she was abandoned by her mother at just 10 days old. The bond between the wildlife conservationist in Botswana and the unfortunate lioness has grown stronger over the years.
In 2012, Valentin Gruener, a German wildlife protector, discovered a lost lion cub in a desert in Botswana.
Videos capturing the moments of Sirga embracing her “guardian angel” have been shared by millions around the world.
Valentin Gruener, 34, currently works for the Modisa Wildlife Project in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana, South Africa. He stated: “I think Sirga sees me as her best friend. She often hugs me and rubs her head against my chest like a little house cat.”
Gruener mentioned that Sirga has never shown aggression or harmed him despite living together for nearly a decade.
Now Sirga has become a lioness weighing up to 140kg.
“Sirga loves to roam the 2,000 hectares of the project with my wife and me. Hunting is also another joy for her,” the conservationist shared with Daily Mail.
Sirga was born after her lion parents were captured and taken to a rehabilitation camp. Later, her mother stopped feeding her, and had it not been for Gruener’s rescue, Sirga would have certainly died.
The lioness rarely leaves Valentin whenever he arrives at the conservation center.
The Modisa Wildlife Project, co-founded by Valentin, aims to conserve 7,500 hectares of natural desert for the benefit of wildlife and local communities.
Both will continue to accompany each other and nurture this special friendship.
Modisa also provides accommodation for tourists from around the world to experience the incredible nature of Africa.
