In 2016, a facility in Colorado was closing down and needed to place over a hundred animals. We were contacted to help rehome these animals and were able to transport some to new homes and brought home several leopards and tigers. Lazarus, along with his brothers Diablo and Twinkle, were three of the tigers that came from this facility.
When the three gorgeous and chuffy boys first arrived they quickly settled in and became affectionately known as “the jumpers.” Lazarus seemed to be the dominant brother of the three. These boys loved each other deeply, chased each other through the playground energetically, and ate impatiently and voraciously.
Unfortunately, Lazarus and Diablo suffered the unexpected tragic loss of their brother Twinkle in late 2017. Through their grief, the two boys grew closer and became the dynamic duo. Both boys are 18 years old, but their life mission is to prove ‘age ain’t nothing but a number.’ They used to keep their neighbors on their toes and show them how to age gracefully.
These days, Lazarus has a distinctive folded down ear which happened after he arrived. It doesn’t seem to bother him. Our keepers and veterinary staff keep a close eye to make sure it doesn’t affect his gait or cause other health concerns . Although Lazarus is the dominant boy, he is friendly, affectionate, curious, smart, and often silly, especially during interactions with his favorite humans.
Lazarus suffered yet another tragedy April of 2023 when he lost Diablo. Lazarus went through a period of grief, spending his time primarily in the den where he used to cuddle with his brothers. The showering of love, attention, and affection from the staff and volunteers helped Lazarus overcome his grief once more. Now he spends most of his days irritating the neighbors using all the tactics his brothers taught him as well as eating and lounging in his enclosure. As you tour the facility, stop by Serenity and check out this beautiful boy in the den or on the playground.
