Amazed by the friendship of the trio lion, tiger, bear

American black bear Baloo, African lion Leo and Bengal tiger Shere Khan were rescued when they were less than 1 year old.

Police found the trio in the basement of an Atlanta home during a drug raid in 2001.

Locked in small cages, the trio were severely malnourished and infected when they were discovered.

American black bear Baloo, African lion Leo and Bengal tiger Shere Khan have lived together for the past 15 years. Photo: Noah’s Ark

By then, Shere Khan was severely infected with parasites in his skin and bones, Leo had an infected wound in his nose, and Baloo was in the most serious condition. Baloo’s harness was tight against his flesh but was not loosened for long as he grew larger.

The only time the three were separated was when Baloo had surgery to remove his harness, which made Shere Khan and Leo unhappy.

The three of them were always close. Photo: Noah’s Ark

The experts then took care of the trio and fed them delicious food, so they quickly became happy and healthy again. The trio ate, slept, and played together for many years.

“Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan eat, sleep and play together, even grooming each other, showing affection, head-rubbing and licking each other,” said Noah’s Ark animal shelter staff. “Those terrifying first months of their lives have bonded the trio and they are now practically inseparable despite their differences.”

Nothing could separate the three animals at this time. Photo: Noah’s Ark

“They have a lot of love for each other. Time has not changed that,” said Allison Hedgecoth, manager of Noah’s Ark. She said they will spend the rest of their days together in a loving and healthy environment .