Rescued from zoos, circuses and private keeping the 99 lions in FOUR PAWS species appropriate sanctuaries and cooperation projects can now finally live free from direct human influence. As we celebrate #WorldLionDay lets shine a spotlight on some of the big cats in our care. 

Motan and Pisa now live in South Africa amongst the 100 hectares and countless other big cats, a world away from Rafa Zoo on the Gaza strip which they were rescued from in April 2019. Sadly both had been kept in tiny concrete cages and before arriving at LIONSROCK they had never felt grass under their feet. Whilst initially being shy and insecure both have adjusted to their new lives and are thriving under the South African sun.  

A fellow resident at LIONSROCK is Ruby who was rescued from a canned hunting facility last year. Sadly Ruby is likely one of 10-12,000 lions that are held in captivity in South Africa and exploited for profit. It is likely they are cubs are used for petting, adolescents for walking experiences and adults are sadly destined to be killed in trophy hunting. Ruby was one of the lucky lions. Read more about the Vicious Cycle for big cats in South Africa here.  

Another lion rescued from suffering in a zoo was Bobby. Before FOUR PAWS stepped in to help him Bobby had been living on a concrete floor which had unsurprisingly left him suffering with infected wounds and kidney issues. But his lifetime issues and need for long-term TLC meant that the team at FELIDA stepped in to ensure he was able to spend the rest of his life free from suffering.  

Many of the animals that arrive at FOUR PAWS need extensive care and support. Inappropriate keeping conditions including cramped cages, no enrichment and insufficient food often lead to the animals suffering dental, kidney, and even bone deficiencies (such as rickets). But FOUR PAWS teams of expert staff aren’t phased by this and ensure that all the big cats are supported as they transition to their new species-appropriate homes.