Friendship knows no boundaries, whether they be language, culture, distance or even species. Although dogs and cats are often considered man’s best friends, Valentin Gruener, a wildlife enthusiast, has formed an extraordinary bond with a lion named Sirga. Although most people would be intimidated by his size and power, Val considers Sirga to be one of the kindest lions he has ever met. Their friendship is so strong that they happily jump into each other’s arms every time they meet. A video of her heartwarming encounters went viral on TikTok, but Val warns that while Sirga is friendly and gentle with him, it could be dangerous for others to try to befriend her without proper training and experience from her.
Introducing Sirga, the kind-hearted lioness, and Valentin, her favorite human and caregiver.
This is how Val remembers the story of their relationship. “It all started 10 years ago, when Sirga was no longer fed by her mother and I had to raise her by hand.”
Recently, their compilation of mutual hugs went viral on TikTok.
.
In the video, many instances were shown where Sirga enthusiastically meets Valentin.
Here is the video itself:
Sirga does not understand the concept of social distancing. Luckily, it’s not necessary. #tiktokwildlifeday
Bear Hugs!? Try a lion hug
Sirga is the only puppy that survived the first days.
Sirga’s life circumstances were difficult at first. “Lion Sirga was born on February 25, 2012, to wild lions captured after being identified as ‘problem animals’ in livestock areas that were kept and cared for on the grounds of Grassland Bushman Lodge, near Ghanzi, in the Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, owned by Willie de Graaff, a rancher and wildlife enthusiast.”
