Siblings, Mario and Marion were transferred to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary on 9 April 2010 from African Safari Park Zoologique in France.  

In July 2009 FOUR PAWS was informed about plans for a transfer of one male lion from the African Safari Park, Zoologique, in Southwest France to a lodge in South Africa. After an investigation into the potential purchaser, FOUR PAWS informed the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) that the lodge was involved in selling and breeding lions for trophy hunting purposes and planned to a canned lion hunt within a few days after Mario's arrival, this halting the sale.  

In response to this new information the zoo stopped the planned transfer and in December 2009 they agreed to transfer Mario, along with his sister Marion, to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.

Sadly, due to a progressive tumour, Marion passed away in January 2023.