RESCUED BABY LION CANNOT SLEEP WITHOUT HIS CHERISHED BLANKET EVEN THOUGH HE IS FULLY GROWN.

All wild animals should roam freely in the wild and not to be kept captive in tiny enclosures. But unfortunately we’re far from this scenario as countless animals are forced to live a miserable life, far away from their natural habitats.

Many of these creatures are being rescued just in time, thanks to some compassionate animal lovers. Vicky Keahey, the creator of the In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center, is one of these generous people. Lambert, a gorgeous stately lion, is one of the many creatures Vicky and her dedicated staff have saved over the years.

When his rescuers found him, back in 2014, Lambert was in a terrible condition. Due to starvation, the poor little soul more like a weak puppy than a strong lion, as he should have been. The lion cub was illegally bought by a heartless man who kept him as a pet and then he decided he don’t want the wild animal, anymore.

“The previous owners obtained him illegally as a pet for their young children,” Angela Culver, media director at the In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue told Bored Panda. “After a short time, the family decided they could not keep him, so we were contacted asking if we could take him, which of course we were happy to do.”

When arrived at the rescue center, Lambert was confused and scared, but he soon won everyone’s heart with his routine. Apparently, the lion cub found comfort in a blanket and he could not sleep without it. “We had heard from the previous owners that he slept in the bed with the grandfather,” Vicky told The Dodo. “So 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. Ever since then, I always give him a blanket.”

Lambert has made a full recovery thanks to the efforts of the rescue team, and he is now unrecognizable. Despite getting back on track, the now adult lion remains at the center since he would perish in the wild. Lambert, although being a fully grown lion, still requires a blanket to snuggle in before going to bed.

“He has 7,000 sq. ft. worth of space to run around in, which includes a covered den area for shade and protection from the weather and a sunny, grassy playground with the pool he loves to play in,” Angela Culver said. “He is just like any other 2 year-old lion in that he is active and playful, and is full of cattitude.

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Many people wonder if the lion at the sanctuary should be released into the wild.