Rescue Lionesses Kara and Lea

On 29 October 2010, two young lionesses, Lea from Bulgaria and Kara from Romania, arrived at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary after separate journeys of rescue and survival. From the moment they were released, the decision was made to place them together, as the sanctuary always aims to give single lions the opportunity to have companionship and a social life, which is essential for their wellbeing as social animals.

Lea was born in September 2009 and was handed over to the Bulgarian authorities and FOUR PAWS in April 2010 by a private owner. After her rescue, she was temporarily cared for at Sofia Zoo, which agreed to provide a safe place for her until FOUR PAWS could arrange her transfer to LIONSROCK. Lea had suffered the cruelty of de-clawing, a painful and unnecessary procedure sometimes carried out to make lions less dangerous.

Kara’s early life was marked by tragedy as well. Although the last lions from Tecuci Zoo had already been transferred to LIONSROCK, two additional cubs were born there in August 2008 after their mother died. These cubs were then given to a private individual. One of the cubs was killed during a fight with a dog when it was only six to seven months old, leaving Kara alone and vulnerable. FOUR PAWS later stepped in and brought Kara into their care, transferring her to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.

At LIONSROCK, Lea and Kara finally found safety, companionship and the chance to live out their lives in an environment that respects their natural needs.