The lion, tiger and bear became close friends after being rescued from birth

Lions, tigers and bears certainly do not live in groups. But not every animal has experienced the trauma that forged the bond between three often opposing male predators.

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Back in 2001, police raided the home of a drug dealer in Atlanta, Georgia. In the basement, they witnessed a heartbreaking scene. There were three frightened, malnourished, and parasite-infested bear cubs who certainly didn’t belong in anyone’s home.

The African lion, Leo, was locked in a small crate with an open wound on his face. Shere Khan, the Bengal tiger, was skinny, and Baloo the black bear wore a harness so small that it stuck to his flesh.

But their nightmare is finally over; The Georgia Department of Natural Resources took them to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit animal rescue organization in Locust Grove. There they would spend the rest of their days on a beautiful 250-acre estate. They have been through too much in their short lives to be released back into the wild.

“When first brought to the sanctuary, Baloo, Shere Khan and Leo were injured, scared and clinging to each other for comfort,” curator Allison Hedgecoth told HuffPost. And as they feel more comfortable, they groom each other, cuddle and play together. Clearly, they are a close-knit trio.

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Sanctuary staff anticipated the need to separate these friends once they became adults, as they would likely grow apart. After all, that is the natural order in the animal world. But the trio known as BLT (bear, lion, tiger) never leave each other. The sanctuary ultimately decided to keep them together.

For 15 years, Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan lived, slept and ate in the same habitat. And after surviving that horror together, they couldn’t be happier.

Baloo, who is playful, likes to tease Leo with gentle bites. And Shere Khan can often be seen affectionately snuggling close to his brothers.

“Even though they live on a three-acre property, they are often 100 feet apart,” Allison told Inside Edition. “It’s proof that they not only coexist but actually enjoy each other’s company.”

Leo and Shere Khan spent the rest of their lives with Baloo before they passed away in 2016 and 2018 respectively. Baloo was there for both of their burials – and was a constant presence in their final days. Surname.

While everyone at the sanctuary is still heartbroken over their deaths, they find solace in knowing that together they gave all three a wonderful life. And they’re making sure Baloo knows he’s not alone.

Rest in peace, Leo and Shere Khan. The world will never forget your beautiful story of survival and friendship.

This video is short but is a sweet snapshot of the dedication of these brothers. Don’t forget to share with other animal lovers.