Lioness Lea from Bulgaria and lioness Kara from Romania, arrived at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary on 29 October 2010, and were immediately released into one enclosure to give them the chance at companionship and a social life which plays a large role in their wellbeing, with lions being social animals. 

Lea was born in September 2009 and was delivered to the Bulgarian Authorities and FOUR PAWS in April 2010 by a private owner. Following her rescue, she was temporarily kept in Sofia Zoo, which agreed to accommodate her until arrangements could be made by FOUR PAWS to transfer her to LIONSROCK. Lea had been de-clawed, a cruel act undertaken by some to make lions less dangerous.

Kara - even though the last lions from Tecuci Zoo were transferred to LIONSROCK, two more cubs were born (after the death of their mother) in August 2008 and given to a private person. One of the cubs was killed while fighting with a dog when 6-7 months old and Kara was left alone. FOUR PAWS stepped in and arranged for Kara to be taken into to the care of LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.