Sultan and Mohamed Al-Helw

This is a true story that happened in 1972 at the National Circus in Giza, Egypt…

Mohamed Al-Helw riding on Sultan

In front of a huge audience “Mohamed Al-Helw”, a world known Egyptian lion tamer back then, turned around to salute the audience that applauded to his amazing talent with the lion “Sultan”.

In a split second, the lion jumped his tamer from behind and thrust its claws and teeth in his back. The tamer fell down bleeding while the raging lion was on top of him. Guards and even some audience raced to save the tamer and managed to drive away the lion but only when it was too late. A few days later the tamer died in hospital.

Strangely, Sultan became too depressed refusing to eat and because of his dreadful accident, he was considered unfit for circus and was donated to Zoo.

In the Zoo, Sultan’s hunger strike continued. A female lioness was brought to keep him company, but he only hit her and kicked her away, and continued his voluntary isolation and depression. Finally, he started to become insane as he cut his tail in half and started biting his body, especially his very hand which killed his master.

Sultan suffered serious self inflicted injuries which caused his death putting an end to a unique story of regret. Regret of a noble animal king of the wilderness who could know the true meaning of loyalty to such an extent that many humans don’t reach.

As if Sultan was tortured by the last words of his master who requested that no harm would be done to Sultan.

Sultan’s story is one small example that suggests how even animal soul has a heavenly nature that feels and clearly understands punishment and responsibility. But Sultan death should help us to learn something. And allow us to not forget about true human values such as loyalty and self assessment. This would certainly be the best tribute to the memory of a true story that is simply awakening.