Saved from a police operation targeting drug activity in Atlanta, Georgia, 13 years ago, the small family consisted of cubs who were just two months old at the time.
Leo, Baloo, and Shere Khan, the inseparable trio, snuggle up in their enclosure at the Noah’s Ark Sanctuary in Georgia. Originally kept as exotic pets by drug kingpins, they now call the Noah’s Ark Animal Rescue Centre in Locust Grove home. Despite the option to separate them, the decision was made to keep them together due to their tight bond. “They arrived as a package deal, so it only made sense to keep them as a unit,” explained Diane Smith, the assistant director at Noah’s Ark. It’s a unique sight to see these three different species coexisting peacefully in one place. The only time they were apart was when Baloo had surgery to remove a harness wound around his paw.
One of a kind spectacle: The trio of top predators include a lion, bear, and tiger cohabiting on Earth, making them a unique and remarkable sight.
Saved to coexist: A trio of buddies were found as young pups during a police operation on a drug dealer over a decade ago.
The three siblings, Shere Khan, Baloo, and Leo, can be found at Noah’s Ark Animal Rescue Centre in Locust Grove, Georgia, where they spend their days together. Recently, during Leo’s surgery due to an infection, Shere Khan and Baloo anxiously waited for their brother to return.
Having lived with the founders of the zoo for over ten years, these brothers now reside in a state-of-the-art habitat where visitors can witness their heartwarming bond up close. Diane, one of the founders, mentioned that initially they couldn’t afford to relocate the brothers, but now they have a new habitat away from the children’s zoo area, allowing the public a better view of their companionship.
Hello: Shere Khan strolls over to greet Baloo the bear in their shared living space.
Baloo and Shere Khan have the strongest bond among their group of friends.
Close friends Baloo and Shere Khan solidify their enduring bond at the sanctuary they call home.
Fun Time: Three creatures unwind under the scorching Georgia sun.
Capturing a heartwarming moment in the morning sun, Leo, Baloo, and Shere Khan strike a pose for a charming family portrait. Despite their massive sizes – with Baloo weighing in at 1000lbs, and Shere Khan and Leo at 350lbs each – the trio playfully interact like true brothers.
Under the care of Charles and Jama Hedgecoth, founders of the zoo, these three unlikely companions seem oblivious to their species differences. According to Diane, Baloo and Shere Khan share a strong bond, likely due to their early riser habits, while Leo, being a lion, prefers to spend his days napping peacefully.
In any other setting, these three friends may not have crossed paths, but here they are, proving that friendship knows no bounds – or species!
Leo and Shere Khan make for a captivating and unique sight as they come together for a stunning portrait.
Thirteen years back, Baloo, Leo, and Shere Khan were merely young cubs, unaware that fate had never planned for their paths to cross or for them to bond as friends in the wild.
Leo and Shere Khan playfully spar to hone their combat abilities, purely for enjoyment.
What’s happening? Shere Khan and Baloo seem confused by the blue ball in their enclosure, while Leo appears uninterested.
“It’s truly magical to witness a massive American Black Bear embracing a Bengal tiger, followed by the tiger snuggling up to the bear like a house cat.”
“After Leo wakes up, the trio spends most of the day fooling around before settling down for some food.”
Despite being apex predators capable of lethal attacks, they all seem remarkably at ease in each other’s company.
“They eat, sleep, and play together,” Jama remarked.
“Treating each other like siblings, they’ll often cuddle up for warmth and simply out of affection.”
“They’re still adjusting to their new surroundings.”
“While Shere Khan is a bit hesitant about the move, Baloo is doing a great job of reassuring him and making him feel safe and comfortable.”
BLT: The trio of pals have hardly been separated, except for the time when Baloo had to undergo a sudden surgery.
Enjoying each other’s company, Baloo, Shere Khan, and Leo will continue to live side by side in the comfort of their spacious $15,000 enclosure in Georgia.
Stop fooling around: Leo watches as Shere Khan provokes an annoyed reaction from Baloo – reminding him that he is the biggest of the group. Charles explained that the three ‘brothers’ have always shared a special bond, calling Noah’s Ark their home where they couldn’t bear to be separated. “Just remember who you’re dealing with when you’re around them. Forgetting that they are wild animals can lead to trouble.” The trio’s new habitat, costing around £15,000, was carefully constructed to suit their needs. Jama mentioned, “The clubhouse had to be very strong for the guys, as they all sleep in it together.” She also noted, “We had to include a creek because the tiger and bear both enjoy being in water.”
