A sad & lonely meerkat who had been for sale, housed in a small glass tank in a pet store since 2014, has finally been set free thanks to one South African.
It took a few months but Mission Accomplished! Leeloo arrived in California on the 26th October and is now settling into his new home.
One South African heard his story and decided to make it her mission to save LeeLoo.
Gail Iwata started a Facebook Page and a crowdfunding page to put action into words and create real change for this little Meerkat.
Through the efforts of various concerned individuals in Okinawa, Leeloo’s solitary confinement and plight has been brought to light and a wonderful home has been found for Leeloo at Fellow Earthlings Meerkat Sanctuary in California.
“Being a South African, this caught my attention when people first started talking about it on a Facebook group and so many were distraught by his captivity but seemed unable to help.”
“For the first time ever I took the decision not to walk away from and leave it for someone else to deal with. “
“I have met amazing people through social media, all willing to help get Leeloo to his place in the sun. I am hoping to bring awareness to the cruelty of keeping exotic pets while saving this one little soul from a most torturous existence…”
Lufthansa also generously offered to fly Leeloo to California at no charge.
“It should be stated that we do not believe in nor have any desire to support the sale of Exotic Pets, however at the risk of Leeloo spending the rest of his days in these awful conditions our only option is to purchase him!”
“After explaining what our mission was, the petstore agreed to reduce the price of Leeloo by almost 50% and agreed that they will not bring in anymore Meerkats for sale.”
Visit their Facebook page to see the happy and free LeeLoo!
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