Orangutan became stepfather to two lion’s cubs

In South Carolina park three year old male orangutan named Hanamu took over the upbringing of the two cubs. He cares and is watching over them, but when the predatory cats grow up, they will move further from Hanamu.
The lively pair are often spotted clambering over their new dad in their enclosure at Myrtle Beach Safari Park in South Carolina. The park’s director, Dr Bhagavan Antle, said the ape had virtually adopted the two lions, Hanamu loves Simh and Skukuza(Simh, which means “lion” in the ancient Sanskrit language, and Skukuza, who is named after a place in Africa), with real father’s love. “He drags them around the cage, admires them, when they play, and sometimes takes them in his arms and hugs.

As explained by the park employee usually pups separated from their parents a few weeks after birth, so they can learn how to care for themselves independently, but their interaction with other animal experts try not to limit.

Nevertheless, Simh and Skukuza after a few months will have to be separated from their adoptive father. First, because they become too heavy for him, and secondly, their instincts start waking up, and this means that the young lions can inflict serious injuries to Hanamu.