LACEY, NJ – Popcorn Park Animal Refuge recently announced the passing of their beloved lion, Simba, who lived a long and fulfilling life at the sanctuary. Simba, a key figure at the refuge, died after spending ten years in the care of the facility.
Simba was rescued in 2014 from a facility in Alabama where he and three other big cats were living after their owner could no longer provide care due to illness.
Upon arrival, Simba was severely underweight, but through the dedicated care of the refuge’s staff, he regained his health and thrived in his new environment. He was known for his friendly demeanor, often greeting the staff with enthusiasm and expressing his presence with a resonant roar each morning.
John Bergmann, the Executive Director of Popcorn Park, reflected on Simba’s impact, stating, “Simba was very personable and when we’d walk by he’d always get up to greet us. Simba’s roar every morning meant something special to all of us and could be heard for miles around. It meant so much to us to know we were helping him and that he was giving us that love back – which he did tenfold.”