Almere / Villena (Spain) – Tuesday night two lions have arrived in Primadomus, the Spanish branch of AAP. Tintín and Mojito were seized earlier this year after it appeared that they were held illegally by a Spanish circus. Especially for Mojito, the elder of the two cubs, life has been anything but easy. He can’t eat much because of an unknown medical condition.
AAP has retrieved the young lions in Karpín Abentura, one of AAPs outplacement partners in Spain. This gave the animals a temporary shelter and loving home. Tintín and Mojito arrived in AAP Primadomus after a prosperous voyage . David van Gennep: “One of our caretakers had been to Karpín to learn about the lions and their routines. The travel crates were brought earlier, so the animals could get used to them. This way they did not have to be sedated and they walked into the crates themselves.” Everything went according to plan, though Tintín was a little nervous. “He pushed his snout and now has a bald spot on his head.” Although the two new residents only just arrived, caretakers can already distinguish distinct personality traits. David: “Tintín is small, but brave. He quickly went to investigate, and is very mobile. He finds the guardians interesting, but is particularly fond of his big brother. He constantly trots after Mojito and the two play together a lot.” Tintín and Mojito share a residence, so there is plenty of time to play. They are only separated at dinnetime due Mojitos health. The first thirty days the two animals are in a Special Care Unit to see how the animals are both physically, and mentally.
Earlier this year the story of Mojito received a lot of media attention, particularly in Spain. This commenced after the previous owner took the cub to a clinic to get him euthanized. However, the vet suspected Mojito’s disease with proper medical care could be remedied and refused the request. Because the owner did not have the right papers, several Spanish organizations complained to the authorities and asked to remove the lions from the circus. Despite the fact that several organizations had sympathised with the fate of Mojito and Tintín, it proved difficult to find a permanent solution for the cubs. When AAP was informed about it, the foundation offered to house the lions at Primadomus, where since last May, lions and tigers are welcomed. The medical team of AAP will try everything to find out what exactly is wrong with Mojito and if his disorder is treatable. Based on the findings, AAP will advise the Spanish authorities on the treatment of Mojito, since they are the official owners since of the two lions.
Fortunately, there is good news too: The condition of Tintín appears excellent and it is therefore likely that he grows into the large, impressive lion he can be. Hopefully the same is true for his brother Mojito.
Collaboration
Except Karpín Abentura there are other Spanish organizations who were closely involved in the rescue and care of the animals: ANADEL, ASPAC, EQUINAC, FAADA, Chelui4lions-CACH Spain and Mundo Vivo Llanes. AAP is grateful for their dedication and perseverance to give Mojito and Tintín a better future.
