Rescue Lionesses Tara, Sheeba and Ounooi

Tara, Sheeba, and Ounooi are three remarkable lionesses who found safety and a second chance at life after being rescued from a future linked to the canned hunting industry.

Tara and Sheeba, sisters born in 2004, were involved in an exchange between the property's previous owner and a private predator breeder. Ounooi, born on the property in 2005, was hand-raised by the former owner. Despite their different beginnings, all three lionesses share a history shaped by the captive wildlife trade.

When FOUR PAWS acquired the property, Tara, Sheeba, and Ounooi were among several lions living in conditions that placed them at risk of exploitation. Without intervention, they could have become victims of canned hunting, a cruel practice in which captive-bred lions are hunted in enclosed areas with little or no chance of escape

Thanks to FOUR PAWS, these lionesses were spared that fate. Today, they live together at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, where they enjoy a life of peace, safety, and dignity. They were originally housed in Unit 1 Enclosure 2 and were later relocated to Unit 5 Enclosure 7 to make room for the Felida Five. The move ensured that both groups could be accommodated comfortably while continuing to receive the highest standard of care.

Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife protection and the life changing impact of animal rescue.