Santa delivered a very large package to the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge just a few days before Christmas: On Dec. 19, Kanu the lion was welcomed to the sanctuary, on Humane Way in Forked River, where he has settled in nicely.

“His transition to Popcorn Park has been a journey of adjustment and exploration,” refuge staff said of Kanu. “He is gradually familiarizing himself with his new surroundings, showing a keen interest in the other big cats, especially his neighbor Simba.