Lioness Simona removed from hotel captivity to sanctuary care at LIONSROCK
Bethlehem, 26 October 2026 – On 29 October marks the rescueversary of lioness Simona, FOUR PAWS is recognising her journey from captivity in Bulgaria to a life of safety and care at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.
Born in 2006, Simona was rescued by Bulgarian authorities in March 2010 after being found living in a small cage at the entrance lobby of a hotel in the town of Melnik, where she was kept as a visitor attraction. After receiving temporary care at Sofia Zoo, she arrived at her permanent home at LIONSROCK on 29 October 2010.
Since then, Simona enjoys a peaceful, species-appropriate environment where she has the space and security every lion deserves. “Simona’s story reminds us of the cruelty she endured all in the name of entertainment. Today she is a symbol of how a rescue can transform an animal’s life. After being removed from these exploitative conditions, was she given the chance to live with dignity, safety and the freedom to express her natural behaviours,” says Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.
Pirker says Simona’s rescue highlights the importance of ending the use of wild animals for entertainment and private ownership where anyone is allowed to keep big cats and do whatever they wish with them. “Nearly 16 years after arriving at LIONSROCK, Simona has reached old age thanks to the lifelong sanctuary care.
“As we do with all our older big cats Simone had a full check-up earlier this year and although there were some changes found on her lungs, she is doing well. She is being monitored closely and receives supporting supplements and medication when needed,” says Dr Christine Steyrer, resident vet at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.
LIONSROCK, operated by global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, provides lifelong care for rescued big cats that cannot be returned to the wild.
For more information, please visit our website at www.lionsrock.org
Author: Deidre Daniels
Twix Bond
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Mr. Alien
India: You have two cows. You create a new country to banish all your people who might eat them.