From Belgium to Bethlehem: White Lion Romeo Marks Rescueversary at LIONSROCK
One of the sanctuary’s tallest residents thrives years after his rescue from a life in the circus
Bethlehem, 20 May 2026 - LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary is celebrating the rescueversary of Romeo, a striking white lion who has become one of the sanctuary’s most recognisable residents.
Romeo’s journey to LIONSROCK is a powerful reminder of the realities many big cats face in captivity. Before his rescue, Romeo was forced to perform in a circus in Belgium, where his natural behaviours and welfare needs could not be met. He was rescued through the joint efforts of several animal welfare organisations, including Action Protection Animale, Natuurhulpcentrum and Stichting AAP, was then brought to the Belgian NGO Natuurhulpcentrum. There he received critical care and rehabilitation while a suitable long-term home was identified.
Through collaboration between these organisations and FOUR PAWS, Romeo was safely relocated to LIONSROCK in South Africa. Here, he can finally experience a life centred on care, dignity and respect. Since his arrival, Romeo has flourished in the spacious, species-appropriate environment that LIONSROCK provides for big cats rescued from inadequate conditions. Known for being one of the tallest lions at the sanctuary, Romeo’s impressive physical presence is matched by the dedicated, expert care he receives from the animal welfare team.
As part of his ongoing care, Romeo is supported with joint supplements to maintain his mobility and comfort, as well as skin supplements. Preventative care is especially important, as white lions can be more susceptible to certain skin sensitivities, something the LIONSROCK team carefully manages as part of his daily wellbeing routine.
Today, Romeo lives in a secure and enriching environment where his welfare is prioritised, free from exploitation and supported by a team dedicated to meeting his individual needs. Romeo’s story highlights the critical role of ethical sanctuaries in providing permanent homes for big cats who cannot be returned to the wild, while also raising awareness about responsible animal welfare and conservation.
Support Romeo through symbolic adoption
To celebrate Romeo’s rescueversary, supporters and members of the public are encouraged to symbolically adopt him through the FOUR PAWS Big Cat Adoption Programme. Symbolic adoption helps fund Romeo’s ongoing care, including his specialised nutrition, veterinary support and daily wellbeing, while contributing to the rescue and lifetime care of other big cats at LIONSROCK. By symbolically adopting Romeo, supporters become part of his journey, helping ensure he continues to live a life of care, dignity, and protection.
For more information, please visit our website 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