Wildlife conservationist Valentin Gruener is the “savior” and also the best friend of Sirga, a 9-year-old lioness. Videos capturing the moments when Sirga embraces her “savior” have been shared by millions around the world.
Sirga was rescued by Gruener in 2012 after being 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 showing the moments when Sirga hugs her “savior” have been widely shared across the globe.
Valentin Gruener, 34, currently works for the Modisa Wildlife Project in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana, South Africa, stating: “I think Sirga sees me as her best friend. She often hugs me and nuzzles against my chest like a little house cat.”
Gruener noted that Sirga has never shown aggression or harmed him despite living together for nearly a decade.
Sirga has now grown into a lioness weighing up to 140kg.
“Sirga enjoys roaming the 2,000 hectares of the project with my wife and me. Hunting is another pastime of hers,” the wildlife conservationist shared with Daily Mail.
Sirga was born after her parents were captured and taken to a rehabilitation camp. Subsequently, her mother stopped feeding her, and without Gruener’s rescue, Sirga would have certainly died.
The lioness rarely leaves Valentin whenever he visits the conservation center.
The Modisa Wildlife Project, co-founded by Valentin, aims to conserve 7,500 hectares of natural desert for the benefit of both 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 come and experience the incredible nature of Africa.
