A bear, a tiger, and a lion became dear friends, and it is touching to the core

These three friends look like they came out of a fairytale. The story of a Black American bear, an African lion, and a Bengal tiger becoming besties until the end will melt your heart.

As many fairytales do, their story began with a tragedy.

As cubs, they were kept in terrible conditions at a drug dealer’s house. When police found them in 2001, poor animals were starving, injured and miserable. Ailing creatures were sent to Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter (Georgia, USA), and this is when their lives took a turn for the better.

In their new home, Baloo (the bear), Leo (the lion), and Shere Khan (the tiger) were surrounded with love and care. Their health improved, but they still were scared and wary of people, so they helped and comforted each other. It gave an impetus to their beautiful friendship that lasted for almost 17 years.

The trio lived together and truly enjoyed the company. They loved playing and grooming each other. No one expected this bond to last so long: often, animals so different from each other tend to part when they grow up. But despite all the odds, these mates never wanted to be apart.

They grew old by each other`s side. Sadly, now there is only Baloo. His four-pawed family passed away (Leo in 2016 and Shere Khan in 2018). It is heartbreaking, and the Shelter workers do everything they can to make sure the bear is happy and feels loved. The two big cats are buried in the place the trio liked spending time, so, in some way, they are still together.

This magnificent story illustrates how magical life can be, and we wish everyone to enjoy it.