It is said that true relationships are not only of blood, but are also made of affection and care. The story of South Africa’s Valentin Gruner is proving this point. The unique relationship between South Africa’s Valentin Gruner and lioness cub Sigra is trending on social media. Valentin, who is the co-founder of Botswana’s Modisa Wildlife Project, raised and took care of Sigra, a cub abandoned by a lioness.
Sigra was born in 2012, but her siblings died soon after. She was left alone, so Gruner adopted her. Sigra was weak, but under Valentin’s care she grew strong and became a lively lioness.
He says, Sigra was very weak, but I put her on a drip and took care of her. Gradually she grew stronger and turned into a lioness. I often go on long walks with her.
Valentin says that releasing Sigra into the forest was risky because she had become accustomed to humans. There was a danger of her going near villages, which could have caused harm. Apart from this, the natural habitats of lions are also continuously decreasing. However, Gruner and his team created a reserve of 2,000 hectares, which became Sigra’s new home. Here she lives freely but for her safety, she has been made to wear a satellite tracking collar, which keeps telling her condition and location every two hours.
The video is touching people’s hearts, and users are praising the deep bond between Gruner and Sigra. People are appreciating the lioness’s gentle nature and her innocence despite her large size.
The story of Valentin Gruner and Sigra has become an inspiration, showing the power of the deep bond between humans and animals.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)