Animal Defenders International recounts the incredible love story of Tarzan and Tanya. Generally lions and tigers do not bond in the wild because of social structures. Lions are social while tigers are solitary and territorial, however they can form strong, affectionate and inseparable bonds if raised together in captivity.
And here is where we meet Tarzan and Tanya.
Both lived in tiny circus cages in Guatemala. At one point int their lives, because of the incompetence of the circus personnel, Tarzan incurred serious injuries to his face by another tiger. Fortunately, Tanya had been there and defended him even though she came out of the fierce battle with torn ears and scars on her back.
When the circus was finally disbanded for their egregious care of the animals, Animal Defenders International (ADI) rescued them in 2017. Eventually the two were brought together and rehomed in South Africa at the organization’s Wildlife Sanctuary.
The two loved each other; Tarzan would kiss Tanya all over, and the two would comfort each other if one of them had been disturbed. They didn’t like being separated, and if one had to leave for veterinary care, the other had to accompany. Tarzan was able to undergo surgery to repair his face and lip where it hung limply down to his chin. After surgery, Tanya made sure to nuzzle his face as he recovered.
Tanya remained very protective of Tarzan, and it was not unusual for her to growl at camera crews if she thought they were getting too close while the heartwarming relationship of the two were often highlighted.
At night the two would sleep with their arms around each other and take strolls along the woodland paths together during the day.
And then came the day in August 2025 when Tanya had been taken to the sanctuary’s hospital. After testing, the tiger was diagnosed with lymphoma in her spleen which had already spread to other internal organs causing respiratory distress. The condition was in operatable, and Tanya was put to rest. Her age was estimated to have been about 15.
For two days before Tanya was taken to the hospital, Tarzan had been nursing and protecting her. The staff believed Tarzan knew his devoted mate was indeed dying. The staff wanted to help Tarzan cope with her loss.
Tarzan died in September 2025, one month after Tanya passed. As reported, Tarzan succumbed to deteriorating health and heartbreak over Tanya’s death.
They were truly inseparable, whether sitting in their little woodland at ADIWS or sleeping with their arms around each other, and it felt inevitable that when one passed away the other would follow and so it came to be last year.
They are missed on this Valentine’s Day, but sharing their story about love remains heartwarming.
And today there’s more news at the Wildlife Sanctuary that still reminds us of Tarzan and Tanya and how their love story will never end
Newest arrivals, lion-hearted sweethearts Goliath and Coralie are now soaking up the easy life and sunshine in the African sun. These two comforted and protected each other through hellish lives for more than a decade in a French circus. And yes, they only have eyes for each other.
Goliath and Coralie are now living in the same roomy quarters where Tarzan and Tanya lived.
Rescued from tiny cages, the big cats now have huge enclosures of 2.5 acres upwards, as enrichment like this provides extra fun, and helps keep the cats physically and mentally active.
Here they are:
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