Shumba's Story

January 27, 2011

Greetings everyone! Today I want to introduce Shumba. Shumba is a lioness from Kafue National Park. In early December Shumba’s front paw was severely bitten by a crocodile; guides and agents from Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZWA) kept an eye on her and it was very soon obvious that she was not going to make it without medical attention. ZWA then made the decision to try something they had never done before, they decided to attempt to capture her in order to treat her wound which now had a raging infection. Part of the reason they made the decision was because she is so young, only 3 years old and has not only a long life in front of her but should also be able to have a few litters of cubs as well. Munda Wanga was then contacted to see if we could house her while she was undergoing medical care and treatments, not only were we the perfect facility for this, but ZWA’s headquarters is right across the street as well to administer veterinary care. 

Shumba has now been here at Munda Wanga for the last almost 2 months. Her paw is looking so much better than it was but she has a long way to go as you can see from the pictures.  Twice every week our volunteer vets team up with ZWA’s vets to clean the wounds and apply medications. We try to keep we as happy and well cared for as humanly possible, but she is wild at heart and does not want to be here, she want to go home. 

This blog is going to be unique in the fact that I am going to ask something of my readers. I am going to ask that you all think good thoughts, say a prayer, or whatever you believe to make positive things happen for Shumba. She needs as much help and encouragement as we can all give her. She hates being locked up, after all she was a wild lion the first 3 years of her life, and wants to get back to her pride. I do not mean to interfere in others lives but I am asking because right now Shumba could use a miracle to get better.

Love and miss you all! Tammy