Nia is a gentle and very special soul with a moving past. She came to us in 2017 after previously being kept at a tourist lodge to greet visitors – a life that has left a deep impression on her in terms of her relationship with people.

Unfortunately, this means that reintroduction into the wild is no longer possible. Nia actively seeks out human company and would do the same in the wild, which could be dangerous for both her and others.

Today she lives with her partner Raja in a protected enclosure. Both are deliberately fed over the fence to keep direct contact to a minimum. And yet it becomes clear time and again just how deeply ingrained her conditioning is: when we enter the enclosure, Nia immediately comes towards us, rubs against us and seeks closeness and contact.

These moments are both touching and thought-provoking – they show just how strongly early experiences can shape a life and how important it is to allow wild animals their natural space.

Together with Raja, she has found a safe place here where she is simply allowed to be herself.