San Diego Animal Sanctuary Mourns Beloved White Lion

ALPINE, CA — An animal sanctuary in San Diego County is mourning the loss of a beloved white lion.

Lions Tigers & Bears Wednesday announced the death of Louie, who had been with the Alpine-based facility for eight years. Louie was humanely euthanized Wednesday morning due to age-related illness.

Louie, a nickname for Lufuno, was rescued in April 2017 alongside two female lions, Zulu and Arusha, both deceased. The lions had spent years performing in film, television and live entertainment.

Their former trainer made the decision to relinquish the animals to Lions Tigers & Bears.

"When trainers can no longer make money from an animal like Louie, those animals become disposable and are often discarded," said Bobbi Brink, founder and director of Lions Tigers & Bears. "Over time, with patience, space, and love, we watched him reclaim his wild spirit. He became the protector he was always meant to be."

Louie traded steel cages for open habitats, loneliness for companionship, and fear for freedom at the sanctuary, according to Brink.

As the years passed, however, Louie began to suffer from chronic arthritis, back pain and increasing immobility. After consultations with veterinarians and caregivers, the sanctuary made the decision to euthanize him.

"This decision is heartbreaking, but it is the most compassionate choice for him now," Brink said. "We are grateful to have been part of his second chance."

Following his rescue, Lions Tigers & Bears secured a legal commitment from his former trainer never to acquire or train big cats again.

"Louie is more than just one lion. He represents all animals used and discarded by the entertainment industry," Brink said. "His legacy lives on in every animal we rescue and in every effort we make to protect them."

Lions Tigers & Bears cares for more than 65 rescued animals. Members of the public can support the animal sanctuary at lionstigersandbears.org.