Rescueversary: The Story of Two Brothers at LIONSROCK
Marking five years since their rescue from a failing zoo, Shevar and Sharukh now live a life of dignity and freedom
Tiger brothers Shevar and Sharukh have reached a powerful milestone in their journey from confinement to compassion. Rescued from the now-defunct Bloemfontein Zoo, the pair were brought to safety at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Five years after their dramatic rescue, the pair continue to thrive in a peaceful, species-appropriate environment, far from the cages that once confined them.
By early 2020, the zoo faced permanent closure and among the animals were Shevar and Sharukh, whose future was uncertain. On March 18, 2020, just days before South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown, FOUR PAWS, in collaboration with local authorities and animal welfare organisations, launched an emergency rescue operation. Shevar and Sharukh were relocated to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, near Bethlehem in the Free State, a sanctuary that provides lifelong care to around 100 rescued big cats.
Since their arrival, Shevar and Sharukh have embraced their new life. No longer confined to barren enclosures, they now enjoy:
- Spacious natural habitats with grass, trees, and platforms for lounging
- Enrichment activities that stimulate their minds and encourage natural behaviours
- Access to a pool, where they love to cool off and even bring their toys
- Veterinary care and support, tailored to their unique needs
The brothers are known for their playful personalities and strong bond. They often relax side-by-side, observing the free-roaming wildlife around them, or engaging with enrichment items sometimes even dragging them into the water for extra fun.
Shevar and Sharukh’s story is more than a tale of survival; it’s a powerful testament to the impact of compassion, collaboration, and sanctuary. As we celebrate their Rescueversary, we honour their journey from suffering to safety and reaffirm our commitment to protecting animals in need.
While zoos have historically offered people the chance to observe wild animals up close, they carry a responsibility to meet legal standards for animal welfare. This includes fulfilling the biological needs of the animals and contributing meaningfully to conservation and education. Sadly, in many cases, these standards are not upheld. Animals are still forced to live in cramped, unnatural conditions, deprived of the space, stimulation, and dignity they deserve.
/ENDS
Deidre Daniels
Public Relations Officer+27 (0)21 702 4277
+27 (0)78 675 8220
9B Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park,
Green Building, Cape Town, 7945
A Public Relations professional with over eight years’ experience in fostering positive relationships between organisations and media.
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FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. The sustainable campaigns and projects of FOUR PAWS focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org.za