Umbhali

Name: Umbhali
Born: Approximately 21st of March 2021
Arrived at Love Lions Alive Sanctuary: 15th of May 2022
White Male Lion
Lives with: Nahara
Parents: Unknown

Umbhali came to Love Lions Alive sanctuary after a veterinarian in Warden, South Africa, called us about an unwell cub from a breeding farm. The cub collapsed due to pain and could not even raise his head. The breeding farm signed him over to the veterinarian to shoot, but the veterinarian instead contacted us. We collected the cub and took him to a specialist veterinarian for three weeks of treatment. 

We named him “Umbhali”, which means “he who tells the story.” Umbhali tells a story of incredible tenacity and strength-of-character. He has come such a long way and has gained so much strength. He also tells the story, however, of the conditions lions are being kept in and we will continue to hope that his story is heard and sheds light on all of the cubs that did not make it out. Umbhali has grown into a handsome, gentle and angelic lion. He has the sweetest, softest personality. He does still have some signs of the lack of care he once received, such as “star-gazing”. After many months of work, we have moved him in with Nahara. They live a loving life together.

2025 Co-Guardians

Carol Mitchell (Umbhali x3)
Mark Ferry (Umbhali x2)