Seven Years of Freedom for Tigers Bela and Sharuk
Once bred in captivity, now living safely at LIONSROCK
Bethlehem, 19 October 2026 – On 23 October marks seven years since tiger siblings Bela and Sharuk were rescued from Germany's captive breeding industry and given a chance at a better future at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.
Born on 8 May 2014 in private captivity in Mittelbuch, Germany, the cubs were a product of the breeding industry. The siblings faced an uncertain future when changes to German regulations regarding the keeping of dangerous exotic animals varied between federal states, and in this case their owner was forced by the local veterinary authorities to give up the cubs and adhere to the German husbandry regulations that were implemented.
The owner was allowed to keep the parents of Bela and Sharuk but could no longer breed with them and was given six months to find a new home for their cubs. He was unable to find a proper home for them, so when he failed, FOUR PAWS was asked to take over the two young tigers, and on 31 July 2015, they were finally transported to TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary and would start the first phase of their new stress-free and happy life. The sad part of their story, apart from living in inappropriate conditions, is that they lost their sister, Imara, in March 2015.
After spending time under FOUR PAWS' care in Germany, Bela and Sharuk arrived at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in October 2019, where they began settling into their forever home. All animals are different in adapting to new environments; it was noticed from the time of their arrival that especially Bela was insecure and nervous. Sharuk emerged more confident from the beginning and was the first one to come out of his shell.
Today, Bela and Sharuk enjoy a species-appropriate habitat with a forest that both love to use as a retreat, climbing structures, elevated resting areas and a big pool, which is essential for the well-being of tigers. The siblings continue to receive dedicated daily care from their caretakers, which helps them live healthy lives.
For more information, please visit our website at www.lionsrock.org
/ENDS
Deidre Daniels
Public Relations Officer9B 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, Cambodia, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects across the globe, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org.za