Lions Ivan and Cornel arrived at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary from Serbia on 25 September 2012. 

The brothers who were born at Belgrade Zoo in 2008 were acquired by a private keeper in 2009, before national legislation prohibited possession of wild animals by private persons, came into force in 2012. Due to the substandard conditions the animals were kept in and the potential risk to the public, Ivan and Cornel were confiscated by the Serbian authorities.

Due to there being no adequate space in existing zoos or specialised rescue centers to accommodate the lions in Serbia, the Serbian authorities contacted FOUR PAWS for their assistance. 

Today Ivan and Cornel share a species appropriate enclosure at LIONSROCK, living their best life under the African sun.