2023-12-04 14:58:46
Ana Julia and the lion Jupiter. Source: spm
The bonds we form with animals are privileged and invaluable. Even if we don’t have the same language as them, their affection is so pure and authentic that we become attached to it very quickly. So farewells are often heartbreaking. This is why this duo shocked us. Seeing them together, we feel that Jupiter and Ana Julia have formed a unique and truly special relationship. Discover this particularly moving story told in 2020 by the Colombian national daily Time.
Ana Julia and the lion Jupiter. Source: spm
This Colombian woman dedicated her life to caring for abused animals
Nestled in southwest Colombia, Villa Lorena is a wildlife refuge like no other that is home to a variety of animals: four lions, nine Bengal tigers, jaguars, cougars, a crocodile, a bear and an ostrich. This refuge has also been home to a chimpanzee named Jocko, spider monkeys and hundreds of brightly colored birds. These animals all have a common denominator: “ They arrived in a sorry state, because they had all been mistreated by their previous owners. The monkeys were beaten, the birds had their beaks cut off. Most animals are lame or have lost limbs. Some are blind or have lost an eye and have difficulty concentrating… », Explains Ana Julia Torres Gutiérrez, the manager of the establishment.
For more than 20 years now, this 55-year-old Colombian has sheltered mistreated animals. Bad treatment which reflects the hidden and dark side of Colombian society. You should know in particular that drug lords and death squad commanders once had jaguars and tigers as mascots. When these men are extradited to the United States, police confiscate animals from smugglers and illegal circuses. They then find themselves at Villa Lorena, in the city of Cali. Some of them are housed in narrow cages, others in large enclosures similar to those in a modern zoo. “ But, it is not a zoo ! », specifies the woman. “ It is above all a refuge, a retirement home, a hospital. It’s a place where we love, protect, defend and respect animals », underlines Ana Julia. She explains that she runs three private schools whose donations and income help finance Villa Lorena and its 10 employees. “ They say I’m crazy because I’ve dedicated my life to this. Because I forgot regarding material things “, she says. But, this admirable and exemplary woman has a true passion for animals and never imagined living any other way. “ Officially, I have two children. But the 800 animals that I take in, I also consider them to be my children. Some are clawed and some are very hairy, but they are all wonderful ! “. She has cared for nine Bengal tigers, jaguars, a cougar, a crocodile, a spectacled bear and even an ostrich.
The lion Jupiter was the caregiver’s favorite
Ana Julia and the lion Jupiter – Source: spm
Among the 800 animals at the shelter, Ana Julia’s favorite is none other than Jupiter, an adorable Colombian lion, gentle and affectionate, who quickly became famous at Villa Lorena. He came straight from a circus where he was often mistreated during his shows. Even his claws were cut. When she saw him in this state, she was deeply saddened and she absolutely wanted to restore his health. Jupiter, for his part, following the mistreatment suffered at the zoo, he had lost his faith and his trust in humans, convinced that they were all equal. He had withdrawn into himself and feared that anyone would approach him. But, when he was placed in the care of Ana Julia, his phobia began to disappear. He gradually felt protected and safe. She simply saved his life.
Jupiter then moved closer to his caregiver. He began to consider her a friend: while he was initially fearful and nervous when he arrived at the shelter, over time his temperament changed around Ana Julia. He showed her affection, gentleness and a lot of gratitude. The woman was attached to him and spent a lot of time looking following and pampering him. Unfortunately, due to lack of documents, the lion might not stay at the shelter. Authorities eventually transferred him to the Los Caimanes Zoo in the town of Montería in Córdoba. It was truly heartbreaking for the caregiver. She was even more unhappy when she learned that Jupiter had fallen ill some time following their separation. The change in environment caused him to lose a lot of weight (he went from 200 to 90 kilos!) and his health continued to deteriorate, until he developed liver cancer.
Moving farewells before the big departure…
Le lion Jupiter – Source : spm
Upon learning that he was very ill and at risk of death, Ana Julia was absolutely determined to save his life and she worked hard to transfer him to an area closer to her, in order to provide him with all possible care. which he needed. Jupiter was therefore installed at the Cali zoo where doctors worked tirelessly to try to get him back on his feet. Unfortunately, the lion was already terminally ill, he ended up losing the battle once morest cancer: he died on March 18, 2020.
Ana Julia kisses the lion Jupiter – Source: spm
After spending almost a year away from his caregiver, when he returned to her, Jupiter seemed really happy to see her once more. Even though he suffered a lot because of his illness, he made an effort to show her all his affection and joy during the reunion. And even in the last days, before bowing out, he was very close to her and said tender goodbyes. Ana Julia reciprocated his love. She was so happy by his side: she kissed and cuddled him whenever she saw him. She did everything to keep him alive and for him to regain his former energy. But Jupiter eventually gave up the ghost. When talking regarding this painful period, the woman expressed her pain and might not hold back her tears: “ For me it was very hard. We all fought to keep him alive. So much effort, so much work… but today he is no longer there… “. Her grief was immense and she had a hard time recovering from his disappearance. But, she consoles herself by telling herself that the last moments they shared together were intense and wonderful. She will miss him, that’s for sure, but she feels grateful to have known him and to have given him a special place in her heart. Their bond was unique and she will never forget it.
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