The story of the lion, the bear and the tiger who were saved from cruel owners and decided to form their own herd and live as a family

Although lions, tigers and bears are animals that live in herds, today’s three protagonists, animals of different species, decided to form their own family. The trauma they experienced when they were puppies awakened in them a bond stronger than their own natural instincts. The trio, known as BTL (acronym with the initials of bear🇧🇷 tiger and lion; i.e. bear, tiger and lion), shows that even animals that are from different worlds can love each other.

Today the awesome.club brings you the story of one of the most unique and close-knit families in the Animal Kingdom.

In 2001, the police of the state of Georgia, in the United States, entered the house of a drug dealer and, in the midst of looking for evidence, came across a frightening scene: in the basement of the house there were three very scared puppies. The bear, lion and tiger were not only malnourished and full of parasites, they were also showing signs of aggression.

Baloo the bear was bound with a chain that had pierced his skin. The tiger, Shere Khan, was skull-thin, and Leo the lion had been locked in a small box and had an open wound on his face. But that tragic stage of their lives was about to end.

Authorities contacted the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, who took it upon themselves to move the trio to a new home: a nonprofit animal rescue center, Noah’s Ark (Noah’s Ark🇧🇷 But the first days were very complicated, because Baloo, Shere Khan and Leo were scared and insecure because of the trauma already described. However, after a few months, they became more confident and began to hug and play.

Shelter directors figured they would have to separate them when they grew up, out of respect for their nature. But this family was already complete. More than companions, the three were like brothers and they didn’t want the bond to be broken.

Baloo, the black bear, was the one that showed the most signs of abuse and had to face surgery. During his recovery, he had to be separated from his brothers, who didn’t like it at all. When he returned, he was greeted with licks and lots of affection. Baloo has turned into a calm and confident bear and today he does everything to get a candy.

Shere Khan, the Bengal tiger, was the youngest of the three and the most mischievous. He always attacked Baloo and Leo to play. He was also the most affectionate and loved to rub up against the other two, giving and receiving lots of affection.

Leo the lion loved to take long naps and was a great explorer. He always liked to look for new spaces, go after food, smells and toys given by caregivers.

It was 15 years of coexistence and much love. The creators stated that they never saw them fight or show signs of violence. After escaping their childhood nightmare, they lived a life of happiness.

In 2016, Leo was diagnosed with cancer and left his brothers shortly after. Shere Khan died in 2018 and was buried next to Leo. Baloo is the only one of the three still alive. He lives in the same place and when his time comes he will be buried alongside his companions.

Do you think that all animals are capable of overcoming differences, as did Baloo, Shere Khan and Leo? How did you feel when reading this story? Share in the comments.