Two lonely lion cubs that both escaped being privately kept in different parts of Europe found a heartwarming companionship in each other. All grown-up now, the lion couple have made a big move to South Africa—their new forever home!
Cape Town, South Africa (30 April 2024)—On 26 April, rescued lion couple and best friends Nikola and Vasylyna got acquainted with their forever home in South Africa at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary!
A tale of two lonely lions who found companionship in each other, Nikola and Vasylyna’s story began a few years back. Born in 2021, both lions had escaped their lives as privately kept cubs, which led them to wander through the streets of the great unknown… lost, lonely and in need of help.
Young Nikola was discovered wandering the village of Budva in Montenegro malnourished, dehydrated and in dire need of veterinary assistance in February 2022, while Vasylyna paced through Kharkiv in Ukraine in August of the same year, unable to run or climb due to underdeveloped muscles.
With the support of local organisations and authorities, FOUR PAWS took both lions into its expert care at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands—a sanctuary that specialises in providing care for physically and mentally traumatised big cats. Once the lions recover from their injuries, they have the opportunity to move to other FOUR PAWS sanctuaries (such as LIONSROCK) while those that require lifelong intensive care remain at the Dutch sanctuary.
Luckily for the lion couple, both recovered well and soon began expressing their individual personalities. At this stage, lions can be socialised, which can be a challenge. But Nikola and Vasylyna – lovingly nicknamed ‘Nikolyna’ – are proof that the hard work paid off, as the duo is now inseparable!
When the time came to transfer them from the Netherlands’s FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary, there was little doubt that the two had to head off to South Africa together. There, their guardians were sure the lion couple would get to live their happily ever after in a species-appropriate environment boasting a vast habitat to explore alongside each other.
“We are happy to see that Nikola and Vasylyna have arrived at their forever home at LIONSROCK after their long journey. Stepping into their enclosures, the lions wasted no time in venturing out to investigate their new surroundings. Nikola and Vasylyna have had a turbulent start in life, now they have the chance to thrive in a species-appropriate habitat that allows them to express their natural behaviours. They can enjoy their companionship under the African sun in even vaster surroundings than before,” says Patricia Tiplea, Head of Wild Animal Rescue & Advocacy at FOUR PAWS.
For the past few months, the experts at FELIDA have patiently prepared Nikola and Vasylyna for their journey to ensure their comfort and safety. Through regular crate training, they familiarised the lions with the routines of the transport, minimising unnecessary stress. Nikola and Vasylyna participated in this training without any issues. With FOUR PAWS experts supervising their wellbeing at all times, both the flight to Johannesburg and the transport to LIONSROCK went smoothly!
Commercial Exploitation of Big Cats in Europe
Lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats – all are victims of a highly unregulated, ruthless commercial trade in Europe, says FOUR PAWS. Exploited for entertainment and other commercial purposes like circuses, private keeping and tourist attractions, many suffer a lifetime in captivity and cruel keeping conditions that hinder them in living out their natural behaviour crucial for their wellbeing. FOUR PAWS is currently campaigning to ensure that the EU Tiger Guidance is implemented in all EU Member States and that captive tigers are better protected. This could have a knock-on effect on other species like lions.
“Nikola and Vasylyna are two lucky lions who got a second chance at a better life, unlike thousands of other big cats still suffering in private captivity. Their stories serve as a stark reminder that big cats are not pets. The improper private keeping and commercialisation of big cats causes immense suffering for animals worldwide. Malnutrition, illnesses, and persistent stress shape the lives of these captive sentient beings, eventually leading to premature and pointless deaths. FOUR PAWS remains dedicated to advocating for the proper protection and species-appropriate care of big cats under direct human influence. Accredited facilities and sanctuaries must be the only places entrusted with the care of wild animals to finally end this needless suffering,” says Josef Pfabigan, CEO and President of FOUR PAWS.
LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary: A South African Sanctuary for Rescued Big Cats
LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary is one of the 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects established by FOUR PAWS worldwide. It is currently home to over 100 rescued big cats, including lions, tigers and leopards. They were rescued from private keeping, circuses, zoos or conflict zones all across the globe. The sanctuary encompasses a total area of 1,250 hectares. The land is also inhabited by other typical South African species that live freely like zebras and antelopes, as well as a wide variety of bird species that have found refuge on the property.
FOUR PAWS has recently launched a reporting tool to report any concerning activities regarding the commercial exploitation of big cats online. The reporting tool can be accessed here. And more information on the issue of wild animals in private keeping can be found here.
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