Sam's loss has left a big hole in the heart of all the resident lion prides.  All the young guys were vying to be Top Lion for a little while, each eager to move in with Sam's ladies.  Sam's pride of lady lions has decided that Matthai, who used to live next door, will do as the new patriarch of their group.  His is only 4 years old, so they are breaking him in.  At the moment a rescued tiger is in the pride's new living space, but shortly he will move in with a lady friend and this pride will take over the new, much bigger enclosure. Already volunteers have created a tower structure with hammocks of fire hose for them to hang out on.  More enrichment will be arriving soon.

Though Sam's loss is still a sad shock to all of us, we owe it to him to take care of his pride the best way we know how, with lots of love and attention.  I'm sure he would approve.  We miss you, Sam!

Sam's Story

Sam Lion, A Conservators' Center resident since 2004, passed away from cancer at a little after 10pm on Saturday, June 14th, 2008.  Sam was a giant soul in a big black-maned body. He was gentle and kind to those he cared for, and he could cast a terrible wrath on those he did not wish to speak to at that moment.

As Sam was nearing the end, the lions all Oofed several times, usually led by Daisy. At the moment of his passing, the Singers and wolves let out a wail, and sang for some time.  We joined our voices with theirs.

Sam is mourned by the great love of his life, Serabi,a nd his mate Daisy.  Maggie is actually kind of pleased with her new-found freedom.  Sam will be missed by all of his human friends, especially by his keepers and his sponsor, Kara Haeseker.

Though we are all crushed by Sam's passing, his is a life to be celebrated. He came from a previous life of woe to a restful place, and he had his family all around him. He loved all the big cat cubs, claiming his own and Mufasa's, and even the silly stripey ones. His three sons, Hansen, Gryffindor, and Pacino, live nearby.  Hansen has fathered cubs, making Sam a Grandfather.

And so on this Father's Day, we bid farewell to one of our noble patriarchs, Sam Lion.  We love you, and miss you, Sam.

Please help us honor Sam by collecting funds toward enrichment for the new cage in the works for the ladies remaining in his pride.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also an easy and efficient way to support our fundraising efforts.

For more information about Conservators' Center, see our web site at www.conservatorscenter.org.

Thank you for helping us reach this goal.