05/10/2026
For 26 remarkable years, Simba was part of the heart and soul of Harnas Foundation Wildlife Sanctuary.
She was a lioness with presence, personality and a wonderfully stubborn spirit. And, more often than not, she knew exactly what she wanted: food. 🦁
Feisty, beautiful and always ready for her next meal, Simba remained completely herself until the very end. Age may have slowed her steps, but it never dulled that unmistakable Simba spirit.
As one of the great matriarchs of Harnas, she became part of the very fabric of Namibia’s first wildlife sanctuary. For more than a quarter of a century, she was a familiar and much-loved face, leaving her pawprints on countless hearts.
And then, in May 2018, Simba became even more extraordinary.
Our girl began growing a mane, caused by an overproduction of hormones. This extremely rare phenomenon has been documented in only a handful of lionesses. Simba, naturally, wore hers beautifully. After all, if you’re going to be different, you may as well do it in style.
She became our famous “lioness with a mane”, unmistakable, unforgettable and completely one of a kind.
Through it all, Simba simply carried on being Simba. She enjoyed her life, her food and her days alongside Queenie, her longtime companion, who we know will feel her absence.
Darling Simba, saying goodbye after 26 years feels almost impossible.
You were feisty. You were beautiful. You were wonderfully unusual. You were a grand old lady of Harnas, and you gave us more memories than we could ever count.
Harnas will feel a little quieter without you.
But somewhere beyond this life, we like to imagine there is sunshine to sleep in, endless space to roam and, most importantly, a buffet that never closes.
Rest peacefully, beautiful Simba. ❤️
You were unique.
You were loved.
You were unforgettable.
And you always will be.
