Kissing Zimi the Orphan Lion to Sleep Is One of My Favorite Things to Do 🦁💛
There are moments in life that stay with you forever—tiny pieces of time that sink deep into your heart and remind you why you do what you do. For me, one of those moments happens almost every evening. It’s when I lean down, gently press my lips to the soft fur on Zimi’s forehead, and whisper, “Goodnight, my boy.” Kissing Zimi, the orphan lion we rescued, to sleep is one of my favorite things in the world.
When I first met Zimi, he was barely clinging to life. His mother had been killed by poachers, and he was left alone—confused, frightened, and hungry. The look in his eyes broke something inside me. He didn’t understand why his mother wasn’t coming back. No young animal should ever have to experience that kind of loss, and yet, it happens far too often in the wild because of human greed.
Rescuing Zimi was both heartbreaking and hopeful. He was tiny for a lion cub, his ribs showing, his energy low. But even then, there was something powerful in him—a spark that refused to die out. The first time I held him, he nuzzled into my arms and let out the faintest sigh, as if he knew he was finally safe. From that day on, I promised him he would never be alone again.
The early days were a blur of feedings, vet visits, and sleepless nights. He needed round-the-clock care. I became his mother, his nurse, and his protector all at once. I bottle-fed him, cleaned his fur when he got messy, and stayed close so he could feel the warmth of another heartbeat beside him. Slowly, I watched him grow stronger. His golden coat began to shine, his eyes regained their wild fire, and his little roars started echoing through the air like music.
It’s funny how lions, despite their fierce reputation, can be so tender when they trust you. Zimi has always had a gentle soul. When he was small, he used to fall asleep curled against me, his big paws resting on my arm. Even now, as he grows into a powerful young lion, he still looks for that same comfort at bedtime. I can see in his eyes that he remembers how far we’ve come.
There’s something truly magical about those quiet moments before he drifts off to sleep. The sun usually begins to set behind the hills, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold. Zimi lies stretched out beside me, his breath slow and steady, his eyes heavy with sleep. I run my fingers through his mane, still soft in some places, and he gives a deep rumbling purr—a sound that feels like the heartbeat of the earth itself.
When I kiss him goodnight, it isn’t just affection. It’s a silent promise. A promise that he is loved, that he is safe, and that his life matters. It’s my way of telling him that despite the cruelty that took his family, there is still kindness left in this world. And in return, Zimi gives something words can’t describe—a feeling of trust so pure it brings tears to my eyes.
People often ask me if I’m ever afraid being this close to a lion. The truth? Never. Fear disappears when you understand their heart. Lions are not born to hate or harm; they are born to survive. When raised with compassion, they show incredible love and loyalty. Zimi isn’t just a lion to me—he’s family.
Of course, raising an orphan lion comes with challenges. There are days when he’s playful and wild, and I have to remind him gently that I’m not another lion he can wrestle with full strength! He tests his boundaries, like any growing teenager would. But beneath the power and the roars, he’s still that little cub who once fell asleep in my arms, trusting me completely.
Every night, before I leave his enclosure, I make sure he’s comfortable. He has his favorite spot where he likes to curl up, a patch of grass where the breeze passes softly through. I sit next to him, stroking his mane as his eyes begin to close. His breathing slows, his massive chest rising and falling rhythmically. I can feel his warmth, hear his heartbeat, and sense the calm that settles over him. That’s when I lean in, give him his goodnight kiss, and whisper, “Sleep well, my king.”
Those few seconds hold more meaning than most people realize. In that moment, there’s no difference between human and lion—just two souls connected by love, trust, and shared experience. It’s proof that compassion knows no species.
Sometimes I think about what Zimi’s life would have been if we hadn’t found him. Would he have survived? Probably not. And even if he had, he would have grown up afraid and alone. Now, instead, he lives surrounded by care, by other rescued animals, and by people who see his worth. One day, when he’s ready, the dream is to see him return to a protected reserve in Africa—a place where he can roam freely, safely, as he was always meant to.
Until that day, I’ll keep doing what I do best—loving him, protecting him, and tucking him in with a kiss every night. Some people might think it’s strange to be so affectionate with a lion, but to me, it’s the most natural thing in the world. He’s not just a wild animal—he’s a survivor, a symbol of hope, and a reminder that love can heal even the deepest wounds.
Every kiss I give Zimi is also a thank-you. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey. Thank you for reminding me that kindness still matters in a world that often forgets.
So yes, kissing Zimi the orphan lion to sleep is one of my favorite things to do. Because in that simple act, I get to witness the most beautiful truth of all—love doesn’t just cross boundaries, it erases them completely.
And as he drifts into dreams under the stars, I know his mother would be proud. Her little cub, once lost and alone, now sleeps safely with a full belly, a warm heart, and a world of love surrounding him. That’s the power of rescue. That’s the gift of compassion. And that’s why every kiss goodnight matters more than words could ever say.
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