In April 2021, the Isle of Wight Zoo rebranded as the Isle of Wight Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, concluding a decades-long transformation from an attraction established for the purpose of displaying wild animals to a sanctuary providing a space for wild animals rescued from horrific conditions, a forever home of play, rest, and care for animals once destined to be pets or acts in a circus, which also happens to let members of the public visit. Among the sanctuary’s residents are several big cats, including lynxes, tigers, and lions.

Clearly having a tough day lounging in the sun here is Vigo, who shares the lion enclosure with his brother Kumba, and close friends Casper and Frosty, living out their twilight years having come from the West Midlands Safari Park. Vigo and Kumba’s past is less rosy, unfortunately, starting right from their time as cubs. You may think it odd that five year-old Vigo here doesn’t have a mane. Well, nor does his brother, and this is an unfortunate consequence of their being castrated before the age of one. They then spent years with a travelling circus, being shuttled from place to place in the back of a truck, before being rescued by the Animal Advocacy and Protection Primadomus. They were brought to the sanctuary in May 2019, and spend most of their time playing with bamboo or with their jungle ball, or taking life easy with well-earned naps.

Hope you enjoy!