Viral Footage Shows Rescue Lioness Who Keeps Hugging The Man Who Rescued Her Years Ago

"Sirga is amazingly gentle for a very large cat"

Maryjane

• Published in Animal Stories
• October 4, 2022

The majority of us would find being around a 250lb lioness intimidating and dangerous, let alone hugging and kissing such a fearsome beast capable of ripping flesh from bones in a few minutes.

But what if I told you that for this conservationist, Valentin Gruener, dining and curdling with her cute lioness is like spending time with our puppies and cats?

Ten years later, this very fortunate man still enjoys morning cuddles with his massive furry friend, Sirga, a gentle lioness he rescued when she was only a few days old.

They have spent their time together ever since, and their inspiring and unique bond demonstrates to the world that love is the language we all speak, both humans and animals alike!

Valentin Gruener, a conservationist, recently shared a video of his lioness friend's reaction when she sees him in the morning. The touching video quickly went viral on different social media platforms, and it's easy to see why!

Sirga considers Valentin Gruener to be a close friend and a loyal one at that. She enjoys giving him a big hug and rubbing her head on his head like a domestic cat.

Sirga has never been hostile to her rescuer, but Valentin admires her for who she is. Valentin treats her with dignity and never takes this lioness' abilities for granted.

Ten years after, this very lucky man still enjoys morning cuddles with his massive furry friend - a gentle lioness

Despite her size and natural abilities, the massive lioness is a gentle giant beast. He adores people and is a very sociable lioness, despite what others may think of her size and fierceness.

Watch the heartwarming and viral footage of his lioness friend’s reaction when she sees him in the morning

Gruener and Sirga first met in 2012, under less than ideal circumstances. Gruener discovered the now-mighty lioness when she was only a few days old and in serious distress.

"Sirga thinks of me as a best friend. She loves to give me a big hug"

Her mother rejected her shortly after birth in a rehabilitation centre, and she was the only survivor of the litter. Gruener met her at the Modisa Wildlife Project, a wildlife conservation centre he co-founded in Botswana, and their friendship began there.

Gruener and Sirga have initially met in 2012, and there were not the best circumstances

Sirga is a very gentle cat for such a large cat, and when Valentin goes to see her, she always hugs him like in the video. She has a very friendly and gentle character for a lion, which is unusual for a lion.

Watch their YouTube story by clicking the video below

Lions have deadly instincts and predatory intelligence, but they sure have emotional intelligence too. No wonder Sirga treats her rescuer with profound respect and love because of the bond they built years ago.

This story astounded us, as did the video of Valentin and Sirha hugging each other. So let us know your reactions in the comments section below.

Maryjane