Dehra: The Tiger Who Changed Everything

In this deeply moving episode our wonderful host, Jess Newton sits down with Steve for what is, without doubt, one of the most heartfelt chapters in the sanctuary’s story.

This episode is dedicated to Dehra — the very first tiger to arrive at the sanctuary, and the one who would go on to carve a permanent place in Steve’s heart. With raw emotion, laughter, and moments of reflection, Jessica does her best to hold it together as Steve opens up about the extraordinary connection he shared with this magnificent animal.

Dehra wasn’t just a tiger. She was a teacher, a comforter, and — in many ways — a mirror to Steve’s own journey. What began with cautious steps and uncertain boundaries soon blossomed into a friendship that defied explanation. Through Dehra, Steve discovered a new side to animal care — not just the logistics of housing a big cat, but the emotional bond that could form between human and predator.

Listeners are taken on an intimate journey through the early days of Dehra’s arrival, her unique personality, her quirks, and ultimately the moment everyone dreads — saying goodbye. It’s an episode full of warmth, loss, and legacy.

If you’ve ever wondered whether animals truly connect with us, this episode will leave no doubt. Dehra wasn’t just a part of the sanctuary — she was a cornerstone. And her spirit lives on in every tiger that followed.

------

Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is now the county’s premier animal attraction highlighting the joys of offering long-term sanctuary to animals from all over Europe.

Enjoy an amazing day out full of animals, set within 25 acres LWP is home to The National Parrot Sanctuary where you can get to see over 1000 talkative parrots. We also house the only White Lions in Northern England & our beautiful Bengal Tigers.

But there’s more than just Parrots and Tigers here… you will also see Meerkats, Lemurs, Giant Tortoises, Reptiles, Tapir, Puma, Leopard, Otters, Turtles and many more.

#parrot #parrots #parrotzoo #triton #cockatoo #birds #sanctuary #animals #zoo #tiger