Villa Lorena, Shelter and Sanctuary- Cali,Colombia

In August 2017 I happily posted that we finally had a land to move our animals to.
Unfortunately it was too good to be true.
The people who promised to help and donate the land broke the deal, there is no land.
Villa Lorena is still home to the animals and will continue to be until DAGMA decides to come and take them away.
The deadline expired already and it is a matter of time until they come to get them.
We lost hope, we need a miracle.
After the strange death of Luis and Santiago, I can imagine what the future of Villa Lorena's animals will be once out of the Sanctuary.
I want to thank our few followers for your interest and support.

Cali, Colombia.
After another flooding a few months ago, DAGMA decided to take some animals away from Villa Lorena on Ana Julia's absence, they said they were taking these animals to another refuge for the time being, they promised they would be better there... they took them to "Paz Animal" a refuge of passage.
The authorities are now investigating an alleged electric shock that could have suffered the two cougars (Luis and Santiago) two of the animals that were taken by the DAGMA, they belonged for more than 15 years to the Villa Lorena Refuge, place where they were rehabilitated and given love and respect, these two beautiful animals only lasted a couple of months in this other place before being electrocuted. "on September 4, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the two cougars died of cardiac arrest
No news yet as to what really happened to these beauties, what is going on DAGMA???

The greatest news are: Ana Julia Torres, founder of Villa Lorena Sanctuary, has finally found a lot to transfer all the animals. It is located about 20 minutes outside Cali City.
Soon the building work will start and the animals will have their new home!
We are looking for volunteers to help us with the building work or to bring ideas to the new Sanctuary.
Villa Lorena Refugio Animal - Cali, Colombia

As Villa Lorena Sanctuary is located near the Cauca River, there is always flooding during the rainy season and this threatens the safety and protection of the animals.
DAGMA (Administrative Department of Environmental Management) wants to close the shelter because of the floods, however, a time limit has been given to Ana Julia to get another lot and relocate the animals otherwise these animals will be taken away and will have an uncertain fate, they will probably be euthanized or simply disappeared as the government will not set up a wildlife shelter for them.
Refugio Villa Lorena Shelter Villa Lorena Refugio Animal - Cali, Colombia

As many of you know, I, sometimes get involved in helping animals. Why do I do it? Because they are defenseless, because they don't have a voice.
Villa Lorena Shelter and Sanctuary was founded by Ana Julia Torres 24 years ago, a sanctuary that houses lions, tigers, jaguars, monkeys, turtles, and all kind of exotic animals.
Sadly it is not a zoo, where all the animals look pretty and healthy, no, this is a Sanctuary where the keepers look after the abused wildlife, many of these animals are rescued from circuses and also many have been confiscated from drug dealers.
Drug dealers, cartels, are very well known for obtaining exotic animals from around the world, to have them as pets, many of these people have been arrested, killed or extradited, the animals were found in poor conditions, with gun shots, mutilated, beaten, r***d by man himself, drugged on cocaíne and all kind of drugs etc PURE EVIL, things you could never imagine a human being could be capable of doing to a defenseless animal.
Since Ana Julia doesn't speak any English, I am voluntarily helping her by creating this page for her (she already has one in Spanish) here, I will be posting the story and pictures/videos of each animal, my idea is to share their stories and raise awareness, also the idea is, to some how get the support of wildlife animalists from different countries and together be able to help Ana Julia maintain the Sanctuary and the safety of these animals as they can not be released to the wild. (I'm completely new at this and any suggestions will help)
Ps, the lion kissing and hugging Ana Julia in the cover picture is Júpiter.
Please share this page with friends who love and care for animals.
Thank you so much for reading me.
Villa Lorena Refugio Animal - Cali, Colombia

OK, This is it! Welcome to Villa Lorena Shelter and Sanctuary page.
The story of the animals in this refuge will break your heart,.
Sorry, my intention is not to use sad posts to get your attention, but sadly, the posts to come on this page are sad and very real. There is one thing all the animals of Villa Lorena have in common: They have all been abused.
BUT Fortunately Ana Julia Torres firmly believes that animals should be treated like people. I hope you all agree.
In this page you will also see the difference one person can make in this world! All you need is love and determination.
Please, feel free to give me any suggestions on managing this page as I'm still new at it. Thank you. Gracias

A short coverage by BBC News, published in Jan 2007
The king of the jungle showed his romantic side when he reached trough the bars of his cage in Cali, Colombia, and clasped Ana Julia Torres in his giant paws to give her a kiss.
Ms Torres gained the affection of Jupiter by nursing him back to health after rescuing him from a travelling circus in 2001.
"That is the most sincere hug I ever get" Says Torres.

Woman 'embraced' By Lion An African lion has been filmed 'embracing' the woman who nursed him back to health in an animal shelter in Colombia. Ana Julia Torres runs the Villa Lorena ...