Trending
Lion, tiger, and bear cubs are best friends
Can you imagine walking into a basement and finding these animals?
Heidi Kennedy
11.12.19

We have all seen and heard of many animal duos who have paired up and ended up being the best of unlikely friends. But when you hear of a lion, a bear, and a tiger all clinging to each other, neglected in someone’s basement, that is not a story that you soon forget. This is that story of the trio of unheard-of friends who were rescued and ended up spending their entire lives with one another.

The cubs were found by police inside a basement during a drug raid.

Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan
Source:
Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan

When police were called to a drug dealer’s house in Atlanta, Georgia, they found the surprise of a lifetime in the basement of the home: a lion, a bear, and a tiger. All three of the animals were still young, but extremely malnourished and ill. The cubs were filled with parasites and needed to be rescued immediately.

Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan
Source:
Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan

The lion’s name was Leo and he had been thrown into a small crate with a bleeding wound on his face. The tiger’s name was Shere Khan and he was just skin and bones. The bear’s name was Baloo and, sadly, a harness was left around him for so long, that it had grown into his skin as he got bigger. The animals were in terrible shape and were taken to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary where they received the care that they needed.

Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan
Source:
Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan

The trio of friends is known as BLT (bear, lion, and tiger).

The original plan had been for the three friends to recover and then separate them as they matured. But as they grew, the staff at Noah’s Ark continued to note how well the three of them got along.

Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan
Source:
Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan

They kept a cautious eye, but the trio snuggled together inside of their enclosure and they often played with one another in a gentle way. Their different personalities really shone when the three would interact with each other.

Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan
Source:
Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan

Baloo is the most outgoing and appeared to be the leader of the group. Shere Khan was ornery but playful, and Leo was the serious one of the group. But they complemented each other so well, that they were kept together in the same enclosure.

Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan
Source:
Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan

They lived together for the next 15 years.

The Curator for Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, Allison Hedgecoth, explained that these are not normal living conditions for three such powerful and different species. The animals even eat at the same time, which is almost unheard of with bears, lions, and tigers.

Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan
Source:
Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan

Allison told Inside Edition, “Even though they live in a three-acre enclosure, they’re usually within 100 feet of each other. That’s proof that they’re not just coexisting or cohabiting, they actually do enjoy each other’s company.”

The animals lived and enjoyed life together for 15 years after being rescued in 2001. Baloo, Leo, and Shere Khan spent their days in each other’s company, no doubt remaining strong for one another since living in such a horrific state when they were young.

Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan
Source:
Facebook: The BLT - Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Article Sources:
To learn more read our Editorial Standards.

Source: Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary

Source: Inside Edition

Advertisement