While there are an enormous number of animal rescues out there that are looking out for the well-being of abandoned or neglected cats and dogs, some of our more exotic animal kingdom friends can often be left by the wayside.
Fortunately, amazing people like Vicky Keahey, founder of the In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center in Texas, have been able to step in and make a difference.
Keahey officially established the rescue center in 2000, and has since been able to care for "neglected, abused, and unwanted exotic felines," according to their website.
In 2015, Keahey received a call about one very adorable exotic feline in need — Lambert the lion. Unwanted by his family, Lambert was rescued by Keahey and the incredible folks at In-Sync.
Unfortunately, as a tiny 3-month-old cub, Lambert was extremely scared and had high levels of anxiety — much like this nervous New York City cat. Keahey's brilliant response that made all the difference in the world? A simple blanket.
Scroll through below to see how Keahey's kindness — and a single blanket — changed the life of this beautiful lion cub. And as a full-grown lion two years later? That blanket has stayed right by his side…
[H/T: The Dodo, Daily Mail]
Keahey got a call about 3-month-old Lambert back in 2014.
She told the Dodo, "A private owner had [illegally] purchased Lambert for his 2-year old and 3-year-old children after going to see the movie The Lion King. The little kids told their daddy they wanted a Simba, so he went out and bought one."
However, when the family quickly decided they no longer wanted Lambert, Keahey and the incredible workers at In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue stepped in.
Sadly, Lambert experienced high levels of anxiety when he was placed in his new enclosure.
Because he had been raised in a regular home, he was quite unused to his new surroundings. And he couldn't be released, as his domesticated start to life made him unprepared for the unknowns of the wild.
But Keahey had a great idea. She told the Dodo, "We had heard from the previous owners that he slept in the bed with the grandfather."
So Keahey was inspired to give Lambert a warm blanket.
She said, "I got him a blanket, went into the enclosure and put the blanket in one of the corners. He curled up on that blanket and he went right to sleep."
Keahey's brilliant idea worked like a charm!
Lambert began to warm up to his new home and to the rescue center's staff. But he also learned to love having a blanket, fresh out of the dryer, to curl up in.
And now, two years later, with Lambert having grown into a large male lion?
He still sleeps with a blanket, just like he did as an adorable baby.
Keahey said that she has brought him a blanket every night since that very first time two years ago.
As a much larger lion, Lambert has taken to all kinds of fun habits and activities — though his blanket always remains close by.
Keahey said that Lambert enjoyed putting his feet in plastic supply tubs and skating around his enclosure.
"So one of the volunteers at the rescue built him an actual skateboard. Sure enough, he put both of his feet on it and started skating around on it."
The Dodo reports that Lambert celebrated his birthday on March 22, and he received his favorite blanket (of course) and several garbage cans, which he thoroughly enjoyed destroying. You can even see Lambert having the time of his life trashing these cans in the video below!
Because of the high temperatures in Texas, when he is not skateboarding, destroying trash cans, or curling up in his blanket, Lambert loves playing in the rescue's water fountain. It is the perfect way to stay cool on a hot, sunny day!
Thanks to Keahey and the other rescue workers who stepped in, Lambert was not only given a second chance at life, but he found a real home where he can be happy and healthy, surrounded by folks who care about him deeply.
And though he may look like the king of the jungle, he will always be that adorable little lion cub, curling up on his favorite blanket.
To learn more about Lambert and the In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue, visit their website.
What do you think about Lambert and his blanket? Watch Lambert's video below, and then let us know in the comments.
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