Lion, Tiger and Bear Share a Lair

This Lion, tiger and bear elicit more of an "Awww" than an "Oh my." These three are the only combination of these species to share an enclosure in the world. They peacefully — even lovingly  —  reside together in Locust Grove, Georgia at Noah's Ark, a non-profit, 250-acre sanctuary for abused, unwanted and neglected animals.

The staff at Noah's Ark call these three "The BLT." Their group consists of Baloo, a North American Black Bear, Leo the African Lion and Shere Khan, a Bengal tiger. The animals were discovered in a drug raid on an Atlanta home, where they were victims of neglect, abuse and malnourishment.

Baloo the bear was the worst off; he had been tightly harnessed, with the harness never loosened as he grew. His harness had grown into his skin. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources turned the three over to the staff at Noah's Ark, who had Baloo's harness surgically removed and helped them heal and gain weight. The staff made the intelligent decision to keep the animals together, since "they came in as a family," and had obviously sought comfort in each other during their ordeal.

This decision early on apparently sealed the trio's bond for life. The only time they have been separated was when Baloo had surgery, during which Shere Khan and Leo grew agitated in his absence. They eat, sleep and play together, according to the Noah's Ark staff. One, two, three, Awww! 
Via Twisted Sifter.

 

 

(Images credit: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary)