In an extraordinary tale of friendship, a playful African lion, a majestic Bengal tiger, and a gentle American bear have lived together harmoniously for over a decade. This incredible bond, formed under the most unlikely circumstances, has captured the hearts of many, earning them the affectionate nickname: the BLT trio.
A Fateful Beginning
Their story began in 2001 during a drug raid in Atlanta. In the basement, police discovered three animals – a bear, a lion, and a tiger – kept in deplorable conditions. The young cubs were malnourished, frightened, and infested with parasites.
The bars of the lion’s cramped cage dug into its mouth, and the American black bear wore a harness embedded so deeply into its flesh that surgeons had to remove it. This surgery was the only time anyone separated the trio, and it visibly distressed the tiger and lion.
A New Home at Noah’s Ark Sanctuary
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources rescued the three cubs and brought them to Noah’s Ark Sanctuary (NAAS) for urgent medical care. They made a full recovery and found a permanent home at the sanctuary. The American bear, Baloo, and the Bengal tiger, Shere Khan, were named after characters from “The Jungle Book.” The African lion, due to a prior operation, is called Leo. They became known as the BLT – Bear, Lion, and Tiger.
An Inseparable Bond
Despite their evident differences, the trio preferred each other’s company. They ate, slept, and played together, seeking grooming and affection from one another. Shere Khan, the mischievous tiger, was always up for playful antics, often pouncing on Baloo and Leo. Leo, the lion, though usually lethargic, was always ready for playtime. Baloo, the confident and relaxed bear, mirrored his fictional counterpart’s demeanor.
The sanctuary reported that their traumatic early months bonded the three, making them inseparable. Their bond was so strong that when Leo passed away in August 2016. Due to an inoperable mass in his liver, Baloo was seen rubbing and licking a statue on Leo’s grave. Reminiscent of the many years they spent together.
Celebrating the BLT Trio
The BLT trio’s story is a testament to the power of friendship and the ability to find family in the most unexpected places. Their bond, formed under challenging circumstances, is a heartwarming reminder that love knows no boundaries, not even species. Their tale is about their unique friendship and resilience, recovery, and the incredible care provided by sanctuaries like NAAS.
Updated: 2 August 2024
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Barb
Monday 11th of September 2023
Wonderful, heartwarming story. Sorry to hear that Leo the lion is gone.
Deborah
Monday 11th of September 2023
Learn the horror truth behind this and the horrible conditions the last one left (bear) suffered. Facebook: Save Noah's Ark
Lenny
Thursday 7th of September 2023
Beautiful friendship! Thank you for rescuing them. I wish the best for the trio BLT and the people who rescue them.
Deborah
Monday 11th of September 2023
@Lenny, Only the bear is still alive. This story is years old. Noah's Ark fell from a crooked board of directors. The whole story is on fb Save Noah's Ark. Many animals were killed deliberately, many suffered worse than that. The two who started this once beautiful place? One died and his wife kicked from her property and Noah's Ark. Unfortunately the couple trust horrible people. The vet that gave 15yrs of free service was fired, food spoiled. It's been bad
Lerch
Wednesday 6th of September 2023
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my!! A beautiful sight indeed. Thank you!!
Wednesday 6th of September 2023
@Lerch, Hi there!! I also thought the same things...Lions, Tigers and Bears!! Remember, Wizard of Oz??