Emotional Last Walk with FIGHTER LION | The Lion Whisperer
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.ค. 2023
- In this fun episode of Meet the Characters, Kevin takes Suja and Bongani for a walk. Due to Bongani’s health this is a rare and special occasion. Kevin talks about the characters and their health concerns, while the boys enjoy their enrichment.
#lion #wild #health
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Hey Lion Whisperers, i have been waiting a while to film this one with, Bongani and Suja. I have given them space as Bongani has been showing his age and not enjoying much engagement in his personal space. I feel this a fine tribute to them both and we must remember they have reached a great age for Lions and have lived a good life, The spirit of Bongani and Suja is a wonder to behold, especially when you consider how long Bongani has pushed through after suffering FIP. ( Feline Infectious Peritonitis ).There are some animals at the Sanctuary it has not been possible to film as i respect how they feel at that time. Please let me know your feedback and thank you so much for all the support this year, it has helped so much. Thank you, Kevin.
Thank you for all you do!! The dignity with which Bongani and the others, have been allowed as they live out their days is incredible. He has lived as close to Free as can be hoped for given the situation. He will die a Lion thanks to you and your staff.
RESPECT!🫡🫡🫡
Maybe he should be put to sleep as he is probably suffering based on his walk.
Your awesome Kev we all love you for all you do. I would love for you to go outside of the ssnctuary to take the children on another safari.
Kevin you have had done a lot to the animals… So Much respect & love to you & your magnificent animals… ❤❤❤
Kevin - you have more than honored your commitment to the lions - and I and millions of people all over the world appreciate and support your efforts!
@stephenromey6348 - very kind, thank you. The work is ongoing !
hear hear. Love, honour and respect to you, Kevin.
Magnificooooo!!!!!!!
Thank you so much Kevin
I could not agree more. Thank you, Kevin ❤❤❤
It is sad to see the animals get old, but thanks to you Kevin, they get the chance to get old. Thank you for giving these animals an incredible quality of life.
I agree 👍 bro ❤🦁👑
Here, here. Kudos to Kev and the gang for giving these gorgeous animals a superb quality of life!
@@keithm7087 I agree 👍 bro ♥ 🦁👑
I agree. It’s a beautiful special relationship.
I'm happy you helped him 😢😢 he is deterred to live his best life . Thank Youfor shareing.😊😊😊😊
Old fighters. You gave them a life without having to fight. No greater thing to do. Deep respect !
watching Bongani walk like that breaks my heart 😭
It is hard to see an animal that's getting older and having issues.
But I know you couldn't make him walk if he didn't want to do it. And I know Kevin and his team love their animals and if they thought they were suffering, they would do what they had to so they wouldn't suffer any longer.
Bongani's days are numbered for sure.
As long as there is quality to his life, he should be allowed to live it. ❤
Kevin sir, you've opened the eyes of 1.84 million folk, I wish I had as many friends as Bongani and Suja has lol :D It's true what they say about Lions, they're truly beautiful majestic animals, one of a long line of life that we humans haven't valued as much as we should have. You're one of my most cherished channels here on yt. Thank you Kevin and team!!
@jaytoppo1670 - very much appreciated on behalf of the team
Beautifully said 🌻
@jaytoppo
True lionheart Bongani is. I remember watching Kevin bottle feed him as a cub and he fit in the palm of his hands. Knew then he was a special cat ❤
you were watching kevin on youtube 20 years ago? also, he said bognani didn't receive good nutrition as a young lion, i don't think he had him as a baby.
Kevin, I’ve cried throughout most of this video. It’s incredible how attached I am to animals I’ve never met. I can imagine how your heart is breaking. I’ll pray that God watches over Bongani and gives you and your team the strength to care for him. You should be so proud of the work you’ve done to save these precious animals. They would have had no life had it not been for you. You are an amazing man with a sweet spirit and beautiful soul. My love for animals is as powerful as yours and people like us can do everything in our power to protect the ones that have no voice. God bless you my friend. Much love and respect from Tennessee USA. ✝️🦁
You spoke the words of my heart.
Thank you.
@@JoyWood.AdaOklahomaUSA Thank you. My heart breaks for Kevin. But he will be reunited with all the animals that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge one day. I believe they wait for him in Heaven. Hope your weather isn’t too bad. There have been a lot of tornadoes this year. Here in East Tennessee it’s so hot and humid. Take care my friend.
I too feel the same...and am shedding a few tears.
I love your comment madame and it has touched me sincerely as i'am myself touched to animals and this video got me incredibly emotional.all the best.
@@Medjmedjbakhou Thank you my friend.
19 years! Just shows what a brutal existence adult male lions endure in the wild where they are lucky to make 10 years.
When it's his time to go, I pray for a peaceful passing 🙏
Kev, no one person could have given these wonderful animals more love or better care. It's clear they are your heart and you do everything you can to make sure they're living the best lives possible. It's so tough to watch your friends age, whether they're walking on two legs or four. Since being in your care, Bongani and Suja have never known fear, hunger, or cruelty. They have been cherished and loved. No one can do more. Thank you for caring for these wonderful creatures, and for allowing us to walk on the road with you. Much love, many hugs to you and to all these magnificent animals.
Thank you. Your words spoke my heart.
Bongani had an amazing life under your care. I know he wasn't in the wild but he got 19 awesome years because of that and your team. Thank you for doing what you do.
His life at the sanctuary is much better than it would have been in the wild. Plentiful food/water and no nomadic males constantly fighting him.
The hardest thing about aging is losing those we love. What a beautiful life you’ve been able to enjoy with these lovely cats ❤ blessings to all of you!
My heart goes out to Kevin, Suja, and the Team at the sanctuary. This is a considered decision that none ever likes to make. 😢. Bongani, we all love you. 💖🦋
Good point, the whole team are an inspiration. You will all be going through a big transition.
MY ENGLISH IS BAD. WHAT DECISION?
@@vinishalom Because of his health issues and he is in pain, Kevin has decided to allow Bongani to pass over. 💧
@@donnamealy4877EUTHANASIA?
@@vinishalom yes
Bongani the fighter! Hopefully Suja will be okay on his own after Bongani passes. I doubt he will pair with any other lion at the sanctuary
2 Kings that aren’t going to call it quits that easy, We know mentally they want to fight. What a life they’ve had. Much love and respect Kev.
What a heartbreaking walk with Bongani. The physical comparison between the two was quite telling. On the bright side, they have been able to enjoy a long life through your dedication and love in caring for them. I loved his “talking” at the end of the video. ❤️❤️❤️
Sad that these magnificent creatures live such short lives.
Bongani, you are an inspiration, sir! I work at a shelter for cats and we have cats die from FIP almost on a regular basis, and it's awful to witness. I cannot believe Bongani survived! Miracle lion, indeed.
Souja looks like a children's toy. He's so adorable. I feel for Bongani. Chronic illness is hard to bare. Brave boy.
It sure is! I have lived with chronic pain for twenty years, following a car accident. Then mold exposure triggered a bunch of autoimmune diseases. At 42, I am now disabled. When I see these lions, who march on despite pain and illness, it gives me strength. I have access to doctors and specialists, and I can tell them what's wrong,, but these guys can't. Kevin and his team, as well as Dr Caldwell, have done wonders.
Two dignified regal old guys on a walk on a lovely day. Almost perfection. 🙂
I used to work at a vet, and it was so tragic when a kitty was diagnosed with FIP. I never thought about it with bigger cats. Thank you Kevin for your love and compassion in all ways
What is FIP?
@@YaYaPaBla Feline Infectious Peritonitis
@@YaYaPaBla Feline Infectious Peritonitis. I'm not sure of what actually it is, but I know it was basically a death sentence. That was years ago when I worked at the vet. I don't know if diagnosis/treatments have improved any, but it doesn't seem like it. So good that our Lion Whisperer friend can help these big kitties live their best lives
@@gojiberry7201a YT notorious cat has FIP as a chronic condition and lives ?.. I have forgotten the name if the channel.
Kevin explained the two forms of FIP and all the other health issues Bongani suffers from and were detected in 2017. FIP is caused by some form of Corona virus in felines and Bongani's extensive treatment probably cost of fortune over the last 6yrs.
Wow 19 just shows how well u look after your lions
19 years old! Due to your wonderful care!!
Kevin you're a true hero. I have recently suffered the loss of my dog Charlie after 16 amazing years. It's one of the most painful experiences of my life however I'm now at the stage where I can look back and say I gave him an incredible life. He never knew hunger or cruelty. He had a happy long life and I will always be grateful that I was able to step up for him and be there right up until the moment he took his last breath. The next few years will be tough but you stuck to your word. You gave them all an incredible life and that is something to be proud of. ❤
My beautiful Ramses, a cat, was a runt Maine Coon. He was 19 yrs old when he passed just about a month ago! 💔 I’m sorry for your loss.
@@jjjones1960 It's so painful. I'm so sorry for your loss. 19 years is amazing age. He had a great life and was loved. That's all we can do 🖤
Lions seem so powerful and regal it's really a cold hit of reality to remember these are not indestructible creatures. They live, breathe, emote, and age like the rest of us. You've loved and cared for these wonderful lions for so long, Kevin, and I know the lions appreciate it in their own way. Keep up the amazing work!
It's hard to see our animals age and remember how they used to be. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Oh, absolutely. I don't think "hard" even *begins* to describe it..
Bongani knows his limits. It's hell to get old. I know I'm going through similar skeletal issues. Thanks for updating his health, Kevin. 🙂❤️🦁
Getting older isn't for cowards, I totally understand as I have musculoskeletal issues myself. We have to make the best of our good days and take it easy on the bad days. 😊
As long as he's happy and it looks like he is. Thank you for loving your babies. 🦁
Me too!
Wow ... I seriously can't believe I've been watching you this long
Though their loss will leave you sad, you have to focus on how they LIVED....a MUCH longer life, well fed and well loved. Bless you, Kevin, for your commitment to these beautiful and special creatures.
I am so, so glad you featured Bongani and Suja. I had been missing these guys and wondering if everything was ok with them. It's so good to see Suja, he's beautiful. And Bongani is just a fighter, but it's really sad to see him so skinny and walking with a limp. I'm glad he has the best possible care.
Bongani is one tough kitty. Very, very well looked after, in his life's evening light.
Omg my cat had this very same condition (fusing of the spine). He passed away in 2016. Poor babies!
My ❤ Heart is broken for Bongani
If only all the animals in your park knew how many friends they had around the world!
Bongani and Suja will always be legends and lions Ive admired. I respect them needing their space.
@JurassicLion2049 - it is the least i can do for these two. Thank you for the support
@@LionWhispererTV. What happened.?
This world needs more people like you Kevin who love and care these big cats. May you and your lion family live longer and healthier 🙏 ❤
How wonderful that you were able to care for Bongani and have given him at LEAST 6 more years! He’s a beautiful boy 🤗 Thank you for sharing!
You've taken such good care of Bongani, Kevin! He's had such a great, long life with you guys! I'm glad the new meds are working better on his pain. They're both lovely elderly gentlemen!
I'm so sorry about Bongani but you gave him such a lovely life.
It is devastating when you know a loved one is suffering, especially when you want them to be as healthy as possible. But you can tell Bongani and Suja are living their best lives, and that's all you can do really, is give them the best life possible.
Thanks for giving these beautiful creatures the best live they could've ever had. You truly are an ANGEL! ❤️
While it always tugs on the heart to see the decline of our aging friends and family like Bogani and Suja, it's also encouraging to see them dig deep to keep living as best they can inspire of infirmities. George is another good example. They don't give up in despair. There's a lesson there to learn. Kevin, I know this is difficult for you, but your courage and willingness to share your thoughts and concerns with all of us is truly appreciated. Thank you. We these cats too.🦁💖
Excellently said. I wholeheartedly agree.
@@sarahmarie8701 thank you
Damn. I'm lost for words. This is going to be heartbreaking to watch
Bongani is still alive just aging from what I understand. When I first saw the title I was concerned, too.
Question apart from physically showing old age in a lion . And lions having all brown haired mane colors do lions make get grey with age like say a all black dog showing grey on his muzzle
@@debbieathy5204 I have never noticed a lion getting gray before, not even in the wild. Just a loss of condition.
I was wondering why we hadn't seen more of Bongani, he has always been a strong, spicy boy and we love him very much. Talk about heart of a Lion ❤
You treat these lions as your kids, that’s what makes these lions love you so much. You’re giving everyone a glimpse into your heart with every video! We can truly say, you have the heart of a Lion. ❤
Hear, hear!!
Suja and Bongani are gorgeous boys… Kevin, you and your team have brought us so much joy. Thank you for allowing us to be on this amazing journey 🙏✨♥️
These are two characters I don't know so well. What a privilege to have the opportunity to meet them! Oh lovely Suja with your noble looks, and lovely courageous Bongani! What a fighter and what a lion! Thanks for giving them this life 🦁🦁
Suja looks magnificent 🔥 Bongani is a true fighter 🔥 Stay well and keep healthy, beautiful Kings 🙏🙏 Sending you love and good vibes from afar 🧡🧡
Thank you for this video. Firstly, it was great to catch up with these 2 beautiful guys, especially Bongani. Great honest talk about the poignancy and gift of these relationships and special moments as the boys age. It speaks volumes of how well you and your team have cared for them with love and respect.
The Lion is without doubt the most magnificent animal on the planet. No wonder there are statues of them all over Europe!
This lion 🦁 walk will forever stay in yours & ours ❤
Both 19 and looking that good.. that’s impressive and that’s all because of your incredible good care👍 Bongani isn’t looking that good at the moment but that’s normal , he had a good life for sure, again 19 and a half year old is really impressive for a lion 🦁 I hope that we will see another video of Bongani and Suja on a walk 🦁🧡
Kev.. you hold true to your statement that you promised to all the lions in your care ..which is to give him the best life possible.. and even with bonganni with FIP.. him being 19 yrs old is great!!! Good job
I can feel your sadness. We’ve never seen these lions in person, but grown so attached to them. With you, it’s a completely different story: you raised them and watched them grow.
We are all very grateful to you and your team. And we love your lions.
Take heart!
Suja's face still looks like a young lion. Absolutely Gorgeous! Stunning manes on both of them. Bongani shows how determination can overcome almost anything. Your lions are so lucky to have you and we are so lucky that you share your lions and lionesses with us.
Bongani is a force of nature. It is indeed extremely hard to watch our lifelong friends grow old and weaken. The time they have left to live is more important than all the years that have passed. With Suja, they are so happy to enjoy every moment of this enrichment walk with you. They know they can count on you to help them continue to exist and enjoy life in the best possible conditions surrounded by love, all the attention and all the care they will need. The drone shots of Bongani and Suja moving side by side are absolutely fabulous, even for me to treasure. Thank you Kevin for sharing this very moving and beautiful video with us! Stay strong for them! My thoughts and my heart are with you, Bongani and Suja. Hugs and kisses to your two majestic and beautiful furry friends.
Kevin's videos leave me with such a "clean" spirit and renewed appreciation for how magnificent the natural world around us is. To see his appreciation for these awesome kings of the animal world helps me put everything in its proper perspective.
So glad you got this walk in with Suja and Bongani. Getting old is not for sissies and Bongani is no sissy, he is still one handsome lion. Thanks for looking after him so diligently. Keep up the good deeds🐾❤.
Kevin’s giving them the best Life ever !
you have no doubt given all the animals in your care the best of lives Kev, these boys when it comes time will always remember that, i sadly lost my little king Samson 4 days ago, brought me to damn tears, he sadly had cancer and lived to 9, you have given these champions 19 great years of care, thank you for all you do and the lovely videos 🦁❤
Don't ever feel like you have to film any animal you have in your care. I'm glad we got to see these two gentlemen on their last part of their journey through life though, I think you and your team has done a beautiful thing and given them another chance at life. ❤
You HAVE given them everything, Kevin. I remember when you were just starting and when you got them out of a terrible situation. We will be with them through the rest of their journey here and, in the end, they will live forever in all our hearts. 💕🦁
What a wonderful walk with Bongani & Suja. 🦁 🦁 Thank you Kevin for allowing us to come along.
Losing our much loved animal family is always a difficult thing. We know it will come one day, but it never gets easy. 😢
those lions were old as hell 5 years ago the fact they are still alive shows how much care has gone into them.
What a wonderful life thanks to you, Kev. 💔🙏
Thank you for this. I was terrified the next we would hear of Bongani was his passing. I would like a Bongani t-shirt. Bongani for ever
I just want to thank Kevin and everyone else on the team for giving people like me a glimpse into the world of these animals. Without the combined efforts of everyone there it wouldn’t be possible! I’m sending everyone lots of love from Louisiana 💞🐾🐾
Hearing them roar never gets old. Your doing a great job ❤
Kevin, thanks for being their earth angel.
Praying for Bongonis health. Both Lions are beautys. I love all your lions. Its amazing how old they are and still run around like teenagers. Can you please do one on Meg again. Shes not getting any younger and i just have bonded with the two sisters Amy and Meg. I love the little piece of hair on the right side of her head that sticks up. Plus the care you give these lions with their Dr. who is gentle and cares about them. ❤
👍🏻Wonderfull to see how the great Love and good care of Kevin💞and his fellows can bring so many years of happiness to their beautiful
beloved🍀Lions💚🌲🎶🕊🌻🌞
Damn i clicked because of the title.. enjoy the day's still want every day can be his last but love this video ❤
So from a lions perspective, they get fed, they get to roam, they have a human caregiver and their own travel car. Not to mention lion/ hyena TV plus lots of great things that naturally happen in the safety of the sanctuary. Oh and don’t think they don’t laugh at Kevin and crew trying to keep up with their antics😊.
Kevin and this wonderful team of helpers bring us stories and we get to see them from the safety of our chairs. While the lives lions and all furry companions have, are ALWAYS too short. we see them in their own environment. It is simply amazing to see them from across the world.
We salute you for the obvious care and love that is shown and returned when they see you too. Thank you Kevin❤️❤️❤️❤️
Kevin, the love and care you give the lions never ceases to amaze me. Even though it’s a part of life to grow old, it still is sad to get old and watch our loved ones start to deteriorate. Your video today really touched my heart. Thank you 🤍
Kevin i have been following you for almost 20 years.
Bongani is my hero because me and him both suffer from the same condition, Anklyosing spondilitis. Its never a pleasant thing to see someone you love waste away. I lost my cat Jasper to Feline Lukemia (FELV) last october, the vet gave him 3 months to live but my boy fought for almost a year, quite literally he was 1 week away from a 1 year fight but. In the end he was tired, One day he couldn't pick himself up to go to the bathroom and so i knew it was time for him to rest and it was one of the hardest things to come to terms with. To be honest im still not over it. I went from sleeping with him in the bed, curled up to me under the blankets, waking up with him every morning to him being gone. I still have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. people ask if it gets easier, it doesnt.
Enjoy every moment you have with Bongani and Suja as i am sure we all have.
Bongani and Suja are a classic case of genetics. Each has a different set of genes, and have aged differently, while having the same environment.
Honestly if it were not for Kevin, his team & Dr. Caldwell, Bongani would have perished a long time ago. He is well taken care of and gets to live a long life ❤
the title alone made me so sad omg
Seeing Bongani walk like that is heartbreaking.. Both are such beautiful animals, i just wish they had such a longer life span
Kevin, ty for letting them to get old by all your constant and loving care. You are a gentle loving man and it shows thru the animals you work with and give a home to.
We love all the animals and appreciate you doing a video on this beautiful pair.
To me, this rare glimpse of a senior lion is bittersweet. It's heart wrenching to watch Bongani struggle to walk, and to think that this mighty beast too shall cross the rainbow bridge when the time comes is very sad.
On the other hand it's clear that his spirit and determination is very much there still. It's so wonderful that he's able to have companionship with Suja and you all.
I'm thankful you've had and continue to have the opportunity to work so closely with these beautiful animals and that you are able to share them and your love for them with us all. ❤🦁🦁❤
Kevin- thank you for loving and caring for these majestic animals! Bongani and Suja have had wonderful lives and will be terribly missed once they pass but we can look back at their lives thanks to you and your videos! 🦁❤️🦁
it is a testament to your dedication to these lions as a member of their pride. I believe there is only one confirmed wild lion that reached 19 yrs. of age Lookinto I believe his name was recently deceased. they have had an incredible life of they could write a book it would be a best seller.
That's incredible 19 years old!!!!!
What a great life they have had since you started with them. These animals have been able to live their best life, being safe and plenty to eat. You and your team have been great with these animals I'm glad you have been part of their lives. ❤ Happy Friday from Colorado US
Kevin, you've given all of your animals in the sanctuary amazing lives they otherwise would of never had. While I appreciate the fact you are sharing these two seniors and letting us know how they are getting on for better or worse, what stands out to me the most is that you are putting their needs first, which I suspect is one of the reasons Bongani has lived w/FIP for so long. While it's never easy to see our animal friends suffer and eventually let them go, I know you'll always do what's right for them regardless of your personal feelings/attachments. That's what love is and does💞
if all ppl would be more like you the world would be healed
The old boy gives me hope and inspires me to keep fighting thru my health conditions. I actually have a T-shirt my sister made for me when I was fighting end stage cancer that says fighter with the boxing gloves and the lime green ribbon for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Now, I am going to get a tattoo of the lion I've always wanted, but it's going to be in Bongoni's honor. Big black mane, black nose and all. ❤Love all of the characters! Every single one of them! Love the channel and all the videos you produce!
19.5 years is still a massive accomplishment especially since Bongani had fip. Just goes to show what great care they get from you.
Yes, you most certainly provided a beautiful life to all of them. I am both humbled and immensely grateful. It is sad to see our friends getting old but I can't stay away from your channel. Thank you so much.
They look great for there age, beautiful manes... 2 elderly's doing the best they can... take care
Watching you and “Suji” load into the truck (his way) has always made me laugh. Suja and Bongani have more than earned their peaceful retirement and we know they’re in excellent hands. Thanks Kev
Kevin, you have done more for these magnificent animals you have in your care, than any other Sanctuary has. I know their time is coming round for the next great adventure to start for them. You have loved them, befriended them,, played by their rules, and they love you right back for being one of them. Keep their memories close to you, and you will always smile when you remember what cheeky lions they are, and they will never be gone from you. Hugs and kisses to all your animals❤
Oh that roar was absolutely MAJESTIC! Very very bittersweet. Absolutely touching. Truly.
I am crying buckets BUT I am so thankful for their Life With YOU...
Thank You Kevin from ALL of your BABIES...
Whatever these boys have or don’t have, I shouldn’t imagine they ever think of the past or future, but only of the present. They have had a wonderful walk and have done whatever they want. It’s lovely to see them.
Dear Kevin, Thank you so very much for the care you and your staff have provided all the animals at the sanctuary. Sending you all love and prayers ❤️ 🙏🏽 🫂 🦁
Sincerely, Sophia 🇺🇸
Thanks for taking us along with Bongani and Suja. Aging is hard no matter the species! Bongani is a fighter and it is a privilege for us to get a glimpse into his strength despite his challenges. You've invested so much, I'm sure it is hard to watch, but I'm confident you've always had what's best for Bongani guiding your filming. Thank you!
We are all getting older. I love watching Bongani and Suja in their walks! Thank you Kevin.