Freddy, our majestic lion, was born at the Ranch on May 31, 2005. He has received and enjoyed love, attention and excellent care his entire life. Dr. Fred Stuart, our Animal Health Coordinator, has been a longtime friend of the Ranch and Freddy is named after him. Freddy’s mother is Nyra and his dad was Gyro (now deceased) who arrived as a pair through a federal confiscation of a private zoo.

He enjoys his status as “King of Beasts” living among some of our tigers and leopards. Not only does he have animal neighbors close by, but he seeks and receives attention from volunteers frequently passing by his habitat and stopping to greet him. It is a privilege to be one of the first to enter the Ranch in the morning and receive his “happy dance” welcoming greeting.

Freddy’s favorite person is Curt, our Executive Director. If you get to see Freddy interact with Curt, you can’t help but notice the deep bond of respect and affection they share.

If Freddy were in the wild, he’d live in a pride with lionesses and cubs and one or two other male lions. He’d guard and protect them to the death, if necessary. At the Ranch, he exhibits this behavior toward his blue boomer ball. As volunteers pass behind his habitat, he places himself between them and the ball. If the ball rolls toward the front of his habitat, he aggressively warns visitors not to dare think about HIS ball.

Freddy seems to know how handsome he is and poses for profile photos atop his platform as he gazes toward the Ranch entrance (and the kitchen area, the source of all good meals). In the late afternoon, the setting sun enhances his richly colored mane.

At Catty Shack Ranch, Freddy enjoys a healthy diet of raw meat with vitamins and supplements appropriate to his species, age, and current health conditions. All our animals receive regular veterinary care and are very much loved.

Born: May 31, 2005

Gender: Male

Classification: Lion (Panthera leo)