Rescued Lion Cub Can't Sleep Without His Favorite Blanket Even Now, As An Adult

All wild animals should be allowed to wander freely in the wild rather than being kept in small confines. However, we are a long way from this scenario, since numerous creatures are forced to live in horrible conditions distant from their native habitats.

Meet Lambert, an African lion who was saved after being bought illegally by a family who decided they no longer wanted him.

Giving up your safety net might be difficult, especially if you've had a difficult start in life. Lambert, an African lion cub, was bought illegally and raised as a pet by a family. Vicky Keahey, the founder of In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center in Texas, received a call from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) in June 2014, asking if she could take Lambert in.

Vicky told The Dodo that they were contacted by a private owner who had [illegally] purchased Lambert for his 2-year-old and 3-year-old children after seeing "The Lion King." 'When the tiny kids informed their father that they wanted a Simba, he went out and bought one for them.'

After three months, however, the family decided they no longer wanted Lambert, so Vicky went to pick him up. Vicky decided to offer a comfort blanket to Lambert when he struggled to adjust to his new home at the rescue centre as the cub was used to snuggling in bed with their grandfather.

'I thought, "OK, he's used to being in a house and he's used to sleeping on grandpa's bed," So I went into the enclosure got him a blanket, and placed it in one of the corners,' Vicky says. 'He cuddled up on the blanket and fell asleep almost immediately. I've been giving him blankets ever since.' Lambert has matured a lot since he was two years old. He remains at the centre with Vicky since he is far too domesticated to be released into the wild. He still sleeps with his comfortable comfort blanket, although he's a lot bigger now and enjoying life in his 7,000 square foot playroom and den space.

Vicky gave him all of his favorite things for his second birthday on March 22: two trash cans (which he enjoys destroying), a wad of paper (which he enjoys tearing up), some whipped cream (which everyone enjoys), and his favorite blanket.

She adds; 'He is exactly like any other 2-year-old lion in that he is energetic, playful, and full of attitude, adding that he's taken up skating. You're well aware of your position on him.' Check out the video given below: