Ngozi was born to Joy and Themba on 15th April 2013, right here at the Sanctuary along with his three sisters. As adorable cubs they kept everyone entertained with their antics which mostly involved running rings around the adults of the pride. Trouble was on the agenda all day every day around these mischievous youngsters, and it was an absolute marvel to see, observing the litter develop and change, almost daily. As Ngozi grew older, as anticipated, he would not be welcome to share his father’s pride for ever. We watched the family dynamics carefully to ensure Ngozi’s time to leave the pride was timed just right for everyone. On the day he left he was separated along with his favourite sibling, Imara, the calmest and gentlest of the girls and the perfect company for our Ngozi.
Ngozi was born to Joy and Themba on 15th April 2013, right here at the Sanctuary along with his three sisters. As adorable cubs they kept everyone entertained with their antics which mostly involved running rings around the adults of the pride. Trouble was on the agenda all day every day around these mischievous youngsters, and it was an absolute marvel to see, observing the litter develop and change, almost daily. As Ngozi grew older, as anticipated, he would not be welcome to share his father’s pride for ever. We watched the family dynamics carefully to ensure Ngozi’s time to leave the pride was timed just right for everyone. On the day he left he was separated along with his favourite sibling, Imara, the calmest and gentlest of the girls and the perfect company for our Ngozi.
Keepers loved to watch the relationship between Ngozi and Imara as it developed. Once upon a time when handfeeds were offered, there was no doubting who was going to receive the treat. Ngozi was the king of his pride and as a result he claimed the majority of the feeds. In more recent years, he mellowed and became more willing to share with his sister. While being called over for handfeeds, the pair developed a habit of what appeared to be deciding amongst themselves who would take the feed. If Ngozi didn’t immediately get up, we would see Imara approach him for a head rub, as if checking with him that it was ok. Having gained permission from her big brother, she would mooch across to greet the guests and gratefully take her feeds.
The cat team noticed Ngozi did not appear to be his normal self for a little while, he certainly seemed subdued. Careful monitoring in the days that followed and attempting treatments did not seem to improve Ngozi’s condition and so our vet, Nic Masters, visited to take some blood and hopefully find out a cause for his decline. Sadly, the results showed that Ngozi’s kidneys had failed, and it would not have been ethical to wake him up from his anaesthetic.
Although it is never possible to know what is round the corner when taking care of these incredible animals, this has taken everyone a bit by surprise. Ngozi was always such an impressive and indescribably beautiful cat, and a formidable presence here and he will be sorely missed.
The keepers will of course now be keeping very close eyes on Ngozi’s sister, Imara. It is important we do what we can to monitor her during this transitional period and her welfare is foremost in our considerations right now.
Thank you,
Briony and the Keeping Team
March 22, 2024
The new series kicks off with a double dose of excitement from the iconic San Diego Zoo and its breathtaking Safari Park in the USA. With over 15,000 animal residents, including Komodo dragons, Galapagos tortoises, and polar bears, get ready to come face to face with nature’s wonders. Join brothers – Aaron, Tyler, and Cam – as they embark on a fact-finding mission
The Big Cat Sanctuary is pleased to announce the newest addition to the family, Kuda, a Sri Lankan Rusty Spotted Cat. Kuda is 5 years old and was born on the 30th of April 2018 at Hamerton Zoo Park. He joined us on Tuesday 13th February after a smooth 3-hour journey from Hamerton.
The London Beach Country Hotel Spa and Golf Club have partnered with The Big Cat Sanctuary for many years and they offer benefits of an excellent charity scheme. The way it works is you are able to enjoy Sunday lunch, cream teas, lunches, dinners and even a round of golf and the full value of the food including the green fees for golf ate donated to The Big Cat Sanctuary as the charity of your choice.
