Telo the lion arrived at DAKTARI in July 2022 with his brother Dumas, after spending over 13 years at Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre. Orphaned as cubs, they became too used to humans and could not return to the wild. Sadly, Dumas passed away in March 2025, but Telo is still strong and healthy. This project helps us provide Telo with quality food, medical care, and a peaceful, enriching home. With your support, we can give him the safe and dignified life he deserves.
Many local children in South Africa have never seen a lion in real life. They grow up hearing stories of lions being killed to protect people/livestock - but the reality is often linked to poaching. Poaching is a major threat to wildlife conservation, and lion populations are declining fast. Lions are often killed through poisoning or snares, both of which cause long and painful suffering. These cruel methods not only harm individual animals like Telo, but also endanger the future of the species
DAKTARI educates local children about wildlife. Seeing Telo, many for the first time, creates a strong emotional impact. We use this moment to teach them about lions' role in the ecosystem, the dangers of poaching, and the importance of respect for wildlife. This helps build awareness and inspires children to protect South Africa's precious fauna.
Telo's story inspires children to value and protect wildlife. By meeting him, they understand the importance of conservation and become ambassadors in their communities. This awareness helps reduce fear, encourages respect, and builds long-term change against poaching - one child, one family, one village at a time.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
