Rescue Lions Amra, Arandas, Muhawish and Khawla
Four lions whose journey still echoes through their enclosure
The Jordan group consists of three males and two females: Arandas and Muhawish, and the females Amra and Khawla. Saba’a, a male born in September 2009, was also closely linked to this group following his arrival at LIONSROCK.
Rescue and Arrival
Arandas, Muhawish, Amra and Khawla were born between December 2009 and January 2010. In February 2010, they were confiscated during an attempted cross-border smuggling operation involving the customs department and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan. It is believed they were being transported from Syria through Jordan towards Saudi Arabia.
The cubs were found tightly confined in a small kennel and arrived at the New Hope Centre in Jordan in a highly distressed condition. They were later safely relocated to LIONSROCK on 9 April 2010.
Saba’a, born in September 2009, was confiscated from a zoo in Jordan and arrived at LIONSROCK on 24 June 2010.
Formation of the Original Group
The original pride brought together eight young lions born between July 2009 and January 2010. They originated from Jordan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and included Arandas, Muhawish, Saba’a, Amra, Khawla, Lubumbashi, Kalemi and Kolwezi. They were carefully introduced while still very young, allowing for early social bonding.
Changes within the group
As the males reached maturity in 2014, natural dominance behaviours led to increased tension, and the enclosure was divided into two sections. Saba’a, Khawla and Amra were moved to section 1A to support stability within the group.
After the unexpected passing of Saba’a in 2021, further conflict arose among the remaining males. Lubumbashi was then separated and placed in an adjacent enclosure near Khawla and Amra.
In January 2026, Lubumbashi was successfully reintroduced to Khawla, and the two have since shared enclosure number 2 in Unit 4.
Health and Losses
Amra passed away in October 2024 after a venomous snake bite. A postmortem also revealed lung tumours, which likely affected her breathing and overall condition.
Muhawish was humanely euthanised in May 2025 following the development of a tumour in the lower jaw.
Khawla remains part of the Jordan group social structure. Arandas is currently housed with the Congo-born sisters Kalemi and Kolwezi in a shared enclosure.
