Rescue Lions Mario and Marion
Rescued from being sold into canned hunting
Male lion Mario was born on 28 August 2006. Together with his sister Marion, they were originally housed at the African Safari Park Zoologique in France before their rescue and relocation to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa on 9 April 2010.
Investigation into the threat of canned hunting
In July 2009, FOUR PAWS was alerted to a planned transfer of a young male lion from the African Safari Park Zoologique in Southwest France to a private lodge in South Africa. The zoo is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, known as EAZA.
Further investigation revealed serious concerns about the intended destination. The lodge was involved in the canned hunting industry, where captive-bred lions are raised in confined conditions and later hunted in enclosed areas with no possibility of escape. Although formal hunts were not conducted directly on the property, hunting packages for lions were arranged through other locations. Evidence collected during an on-site investigation confirmed these practices, including an offer to organise a canned lion hunt within a short timeframe with a guaranteed trophy.
These findings indicated that every lion destined for or held at the facility was at risk of becoming part of canned hunting activities.
FOUR PAWS Intervention and Rescue
Following the investigation, FOUR PAWS immediately informed both the zoo and EAZA about the situation. As ethical members of the global zoo community, EAZA and its member institutions do not support canned hunting or the sale of animals into such trade.
FOUR PAWS then offered a safe alternative by proposing the relocation of Mario to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, a place designed to provide lifelong care for rescued big cats. In response to the new information and concerns raised, the zoo halted the planned transfer to the private lodge. By December 2009, the decision was made to transfer Mario and his sister Marion to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.
Life at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary
At LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, Mario found safety, stability, and lifelong care away from exploitation and hunting threats. The sanctuary provides rescued big cats with large natural enclosures, appropriate care, and a secure environment where they can live out their lives in dignity.
Remembering Marion
In December 2022, Marion sadly passed away during anaesthesia. Veterinary examination determined that a tumour had caused organ failure, and despite medical efforts, nothing could have been done to stop the progression of the disease. Her loss was a reminder of the fragility of rescued wildlife and the importance of ongoing care and monitoring for ageing big cats.
