Tara and Sheeba, two lion sisters born in 2004, were once part of a troubling exchange between their previous owner and a private predator breeder. The third member of their group, Ounooi, was born in 2005 and hand-raised on the same property. All three lions share a common past—one rooted in the exploitative wildlife trade that feeds the canned hunting industry.

These lionesses were among the many animals on a property that FOUR PAWS took over, determined to break the cycle of exploitation. At the time of acquisition, the facility housed several lions at risk of being used in canned hunts—a cruel practice where captive-bred lions are shot in confined spaces with no chance of escape.

Thanks to FOUR PAWS’ intervention, Tara, Sheeba and Ounooi were spared this fate. Today, they live in peace and dignity at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, where they can finally experience the freedom, safety and respect every animal deserves.