Give Four Former Circus Lions A Sanctuary Home

February 10, 2023, marks exactly one year since our ex-circus lions first set foot at their new home in South Africa, at Born Free’s Julie Ward Centre on the Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

To mark their one-year anniversary, Born Free has been checking in with their carers to provide an update on how, thanks to YOUR support, our four lions are loving their new life.

You may remember the footage of Louga, Saïda, Bellone and Angela taking their first steps on African soil on the 10^th February 2022. You can see that footage here. This wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of you, our supporters, who donated towards the costs of their move.

One year on, the Lions of Lockdown – so named because their move to our sanctuary was greatly delayed due to COVID – are thriving in their new home. Continuing to live together, they have changed and ascertained their group dynamics a little since their arrival, but generally get on well. They are very settled and seem relaxed, enjoying their ancestral homeland.

Each of the four is very unique, with Saïda now the dominant individual who has demanded respect from the others. She seems to decide where the group goes and what they do. She also takes her food before the others, as a dominant lion would in the wild.

Angela, on the other hand, is reserved and quiet. It is believed by her carers that she may still be coming to terms mentally with her difficult past. Having said this, she will fiercely protect her food if disturbed, so definitely has the confidence to look after herself if needed.

Bellone is a follower, who seems happy to do whatever they others are doing. She stands back and watches, rather than necessarily getting involved. She is the most affectionate of the four.

Finally, male lion Louga is very respectful of the three lionesses, and allows them to do what they wish. He doesn’t challenge Saïda, but is protective of his pride and their territory, scent-marking and clawing around their enclosure to ensure it is known that it is his.

We are very happy that the last year for them seems to be one of contentedness and relaxation - such a far cry from their loud and no-doubt stressful lives for so many years before. It took a long time for them to be moved to their sanctuary home but it was worth the wait and all the effort to see how far these four have come.

Martin Miritiawo, Animal Care Supervisor at Shamwari, says: “The Lions of Lockdown seem to be a very close as a group. They are fascinating to watch and are all so different from one another. Louga is very protective over his girls.”

Maggie Balaskas, Head of Rescue and Care at Born Free, added: “After facing many hurdles and the significant delays caused by the pandemic, we are delighted that Louga, Bellone, Saïda and Angela are settled in their new home. Having spent years being forced to perform in the circus, and living in a cramped trailer, they can now spend the rest of their days in peace under the watchful eye of our expert animal care team. We are incredibly grateful to each person who helped us give these lions a new life.”

Links:

• The Lions of Lockdown Story
• Adopt a Lion with Born Free

Thank you for choosing to support Born Free’s work to give four former circus lions a sanctuary forever home.

Thanks to your support, we have a new update from our Animal Care Manager at Shamwari, Glen Vena, who says: “The Lions of Lockdown seem to be continuing to settle well as they have explored and scent marked their enclosure on many occasions.

“Bellone is very relaxed and seems to be well recovered, in terms of temperament, from her difficult past. Angela, on the other hand, is more alert and likely to growl in a defensive manner.

“Louga, the only male in the group, can often be seen surrounded by his girls – it is amazing how they seem to care for him so much. Saïda is still dominant however, to the point that even Louga takes a step back from her sometimes.

“I always tell visitors Louga’s story and they are shocked to learn that he doesn’t have a mane because he was castrated at a young age by his former owner to make him ‘easier to handle’. Speaking to visitors lets them understand why these animals do not belong in zoos or circuses, but Louga is still a stunning lion who is no lesser for his lack of mane.”

Louga also made a big impact on Born Free’s Rescue and Care Officer, Flo Blackbourn, who recently visited Shamwari and was lucky enough to see Louga during her trip. She says: “I saw Louga ‘in person’ when I visited The Julie Ward Centre at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in June 2022.

“The enclosure shared by all four Lions of Lockdown is large and full of shrubs and bushes which keep them well hidden from view. Because of this, I only saw Louga very briefly when he chose to venture out from behind some shrubs, seeming curious as to what was happening as he could hear our movement.

“He very calmly sauntered out and watched us from a few metres away, allowing himself to be in full view. He seemed intrigued and not agitated or nervous, as you may expect from a lion who has spent years being used by people for entertainment. It is amazing that after all he had been through he was finally able to see humans without the fear that must have come with it for so many years.

“When he was happy with what was going on he turned slowly and returned to the bushes to spend the rest of his day with his lion friends out of view. He must finally feel relaxed and at home, knowing that he is free to live a life worth living, free from harm.”

All four lions are doing great, BUT we still need your help to raise vital funds to support their lifetime care at our sanctuary, and give them the nutritious food, veterinary treatment, and enrichment they deserve – will you continue your support with a gift today?

Thank you so much from the Born Free team.