It would appear that the stereotype of cats trapping themselves in trees so effectively that they need the fire brigade to come and help them out applies to big cats as well as house cats.
Hanzalah Saib spotted this big cat which flew too close to the sun, and climbed so high that it had stranded itself in the smaller branches and was struggling to get down again. This sighting took place on the S28 road in the Kruger National Park.
The footage, which Hanzalah sent to Latest Sightings, proves that even big and fierce apex predators like lions can look nervous when they’re very far out of their depth.
A Very Strange Looking Bird
The biggest problem this unfortunate lion was facing, was that many of the branches around it looked too flimsy to hold its weight reliably. At any moment the lion gave the impression that it would shift its balance too far in one direction and tumble to the ground as a result.
The lion had climbed up amongst the highest branches of the tree, until it literally couldn’t climb any higher, which meant that the only way was to go back down, but this was difficult to achieve while moving so carefully.
Why the lion had climbed so high was a mystery. They are known to steal leopard kills from the lower branches of trees, but this big cat had gone far beyond the lower branches.
There are few other predators that could scare a lion enough to force it to shelter in tree branches, as lions are not as adept at climbing as other animals and definitely prefer to keep all four paws on the ground.
Perhaps if it had been facing impossible odds, such as a large pack of wild dogs or a clan of hyenas, the lone lion had decided to trust its fate to the thin and flexible tree branches.
The King Of The Castle
Maybe, this lion hadn’t been satisfied with being an apex predator of the ground, and was making a bid to be considered a deadly hunter at higher elevations as well.
It was high enough to have a largely unobstructed view of the surrounding area, but there was nothing it could do with this achievement, as it couldn’t even get down.
While its reasons for climbing so high remained a mystery, it must surely be worthy of some kind of special status, simply by right of being the highest lion in the immediate area.
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Questionable Decisions
Unfortunately, it was also the least mobile lion in the immediate area, as the slightest shift in its weight cause the thin branches to shake almost uncontrollably. Despite the big cats unmistakable strength and poise, it was struggling just to move.
As amusing as it might have been to see such a dangerous animal in a comically difficult position, this was actually a very dangerous spot from the lion. It couldn’t stay there, as sleeping would inevitably cause it to fall, so it needed to get down somehow.
The final fate of this climbing lion was unknown, but the end of the footage it had managed to turn itself around on the spot, and begin trying to climb down the way it had come. Hopefully it wouldn’t be climbing anymore trees anytime soon.
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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