FOUR PAWS has rescued two lions who were left destitute after a massive veld fire hit the Free State province of South Africa.
FOUR PAWS has welcomed two young lions, Micca and Juba, to their LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem (Free State province of South Africa), after they were left destitute when a fire swept through the enclosures. The lions, born at a breeding farm, can now live a species-appropriate life at a true sanctuary.
The animals were purchased from a local breeding farm to act as security on their new owner’s property.
Fiona Miles, FOUR PAWS Country Director: “Lions do not belong in private captivity and are certainly not meant to act as security guards. We hope to give these beautiful animals a new lifelong home here at LIONSROCK – safe from private keeping, breeding and the canned hunting industry.”
FOUR PAWS was told the land where the owner kept these animals has been sold, and this placed the owner in a difficult position: find a safe haven for the animals or send them back to the breeding farm they came from, where they would face an uncertain future. While looking for a suitable solution for the lions, tragedy struck when a big veld fire started on the farm and burned down everything in the lion enclosure. The lions, though scorched, had no other serious injuries.
The lion and lioness, were sterilized a few weeks ago., Their new home, LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, will provide a lifelong home to Micca and Juba, with living conditions appropriate for their species.
As part of FOUR PAWS’ work for wild animals in captivity, we focus on big cats in zoos, in private captivity and in the entertainment industry. LIONSROCK is a genuine big cat sanctuary who provides a lifelong home for these animals.
“The sanctuary is open for the public and is a unique combination of animal welfare and eco-tourism destination, offering a wide range of activities for its guests: game drives, bird watching and hiking trails as well as trips to the nearby Golden Gate National Park, Clarens or Lesotho.”
FOUR PAWS envisions a world where South Africa’s big cats have the necessary protection, respect and empathy they deserve. Approximately 1000 lions are killed in the country each year from intensive breeding operations across more than 260 facilities. It is estimated that there are more than 8000 lions at any one time in captivity. The organisation intends to raise 300 000 signatures (currently at 42 000) through its #RiseUpAndRoar awareness campaign by May 2019 calling for an end to this trade. This will mean: An end to the cruel keeping of lions through irresponsible private keeping and no more trade of live lions, parts and derivatives.
They have also set up a petition that you can .
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