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In Loving Memory of Dumas – A Lion, a Legend, and a True Ambassador

Dumas the lion was a true ambassador for his species, inspiring local children to care for South Africa’s wildlife.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Dumas, one of our beloved lions at DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage. Dumas arrived at DAKTARI together with his brother after being rescued from a situation that made it impossible for them to be released back into the wild. From that moment, he became much more than a lion living in safety – he became a powerful ambassador for his species. Every week, he helped educate the children from nearby villages who come to DAKTARI for environmental lessons and inspiration. Many of these children had never seen a lion up close before. Through Dumas’ story, they learned about the threats facing wildlife, such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal captivity. His quiet strength and presence left a lasting impact on the hearts of hundreds of young people – and showed them why protecting nature matters. While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Dumas, we are very thankful that his brother is still doing well, and we continue to give him the best possible care. At DAKTARI, we provide a forever home for non-releasable wild animals – including meerkats, mongooses, reptiles, birds of prey, and more. Each of these animals has been rescued due to injury, imprinting, or being born in captivity – meaning they would not survive on their own in the wild. We want to be clear: DAKTARI is completely against captivity for entertainment. We only care for animals who genuinely cannot be released, and in return, they help us educate children about respect, empathy, and the importance of South Africa’s wildlife. Dumas was not just a lion. He was a teacher, a symbol of dignity, and a living reminder of what we stand to lose if we don’t protect our natural heritage. His legacy lives on in every child he inspired. Rest peacefully, dear Dumas. You were truly loved – and you made a difference.

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