This Man Taught A Lion To Hunt And Their Friendship Will Inspire You

As children, we go to the zoo and imagine what it would be like to have the various wild animals as pets. One animal in particular that always amazed me was the lion. What would it be like to cuddle with a lion? Valentin Gruener has become famous for just that. Hes known for his loving relationship with a young lioness. While their friendship has become a media spectacle, their bond has remained strong over the years. The relationship is unlike any weve seen before, truly transcending all the boundaries that weve known between humans and animals. Because Sirga was abandoned by her pride in Botswana, she never got the chance to learn to hunt from fellow lions. Gruener has spent countless hours lying low in wild brush and leaping into water to demonstrate how its done. Tauana/Looking Glass/Splash Here, they patiently wait for the perfect time to pounce. Tauana/Looking Glass/Splash “The day she brought down her first antelope was the most amazing day of my life, because I realized that she would one day be able to look after herself in the wild,” noted Gruener. She did it! The young lioness caught a toad and boastfully carried it around in her mouth. Tauana/Looking Glass/Splash With all that hunting out of the way, theres plenty of time for some horsing around, too! Tauana/Looking Glass/Splash The story of the incredible relationship is being captured on film in a documentary. Tauana/Looking Glass/Splash Gruener watches on protectively as a veterinarian administers care to Sirga. Tauana/Looking Glass/Splash The pair is truly a sight to see together. They share an incredibly special bond that most people wouldnt believe was possible. Tauana/Looking Glass/Splash When they play together its like Sirga is just an oversized house cat. Tauana/Looking Glass/Splash But Gruener has done much more than have fun with her. Because of him, Sirga will someday be able to fend for herself in the wild – hunting her own food. Hopefully, shell eventually start a family of her own. Tauana/Looking Glass/Splash (via Daily Mail) Gruener is living his childhood dream to roam in the wild with lions. At the same time, hes freeing one from a life of captivity. Sirga, without a doubt, wont forget her human teacher and friend. Keep an eye out for the documentary series titled “Lionheart,” which is scheduled to be released later this year. Its sure to be an incredible story.