Rescue Lions Neida, Nora and Kongo
Three lions given a second chance after years in captivity
Neida, Kongo and Nora's journey is one of resilience, survival and hope. Born into captivity, the three sibling lions spent the early years of their lives moving from one unsuitable environment to another before finally finding safety at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Although their story ended with heartbreak, they experienced years of peace, expert care and dignity after their rescue.
Born in a zoo, destined for the circus
Neida, Kongo and Nora were born on 6 February 2003 at a zoo in Switzerland. When they were just five months old, they were moved to a circus in Germany, where they spent their formative years performing and living in conditions far removed from their instincts.
When the circus owner could no longer use the lions in performances, they were relocated in 2012 to “Stichting Pantera”, a former private zoo in the Netherlands that later became known as FELIDA.
A lifeline through rescue
Financial difficulties at the facility placed the welfare of the big cats at risk. As a result, FOUR PAWS stepped in to take over the management of FELIDA, ensuring the animals received the care they desperately needed.
On 2 July 2014, Neida, Kongo and Nora were transferred to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. Their new home offered spacious natural enclosures, professional veterinary care and the opportunity to live out the rest of their lives in a peaceful environment. They initially settled into Unit 5 Enclosure 1 before later moving to the larger Unit 5 Enclosure 2, giving them even more room to roam.
Nora's new beginnings
As the lions matured, their social dynamics changed. Neida and Kongo began attacking Nora, making it necessary to permanently separate her for her own safety and well-being.
In 2018, Nora was successfully introduced to a male lion named Giovanni, and the pair formed a compatible companionship. Due to chronic mobility problems affecting both lions, they were relocated to the Special Care Unit in December 2021, where they received specialised treatment and close monitoring.
Sadly, Giovanni was euthanised in June 2022 after veterinarians diagnosed a lung mass alongside several chronic health conditions.
Nora's health continued to decline as she aged. Despite receiving ongoing care, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she was humanely euthanised in September 2023 because of multiple age-related health issues.
Neida and Kongo's final years together
Following Nora's separation, Neida remained with her brother, Kongo, at LIONSROCK, where the pair spent several years together in a spacious, natural habitat under the care of the sanctuary's animal welfare team.
In early 2020, Kongo was diagnosed with advanced blood cancer. As his condition worsened and his quality of life declined, veterinarians made the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanise him on 13 February 2020, preventing any further suffering.
Although Neida, Kongo and Nora spent many years in captivity before their rescue, they were able to enjoy a safer and more natural environment after arriving at LIONSROCK. With spacious enclosures and dedicated veterinary care, they lived out their remaining years free from the demands of the circus.
Their journey highlights the lasting impact that rescue and lifelong sanctuary can have on animals that have spent much of their lives in captivity, giving them the care and welfare they deserve.
