Rescueversary: The Story of Two Brothers at LIONSROCK

Marking five years since their rescue from a failing zoo, Shevar and Sharukh now live a life of dignity and freedom.

Tiger brothers Shevar and Sharukh have reached a powerful milestone in their journey from confinement to compassion. Rescued from the now-defunct Bloemfontein Zoo, the pair were brought to safety at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Five years after their dramatic rescue, the pair continue to thrive in a peaceful, species-appropriate environment, far from the cages that once confined them.

By early 2020 the zoo faced permanent closure and among animals were Shevar and Sharukh, whose future was uncertain. On March 18, 2020, just days before South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown, FOUR PAWS, in collaboration with local authorities and animal welfare organisations, launched an emergency rescue operation. Shevar and Sharukh were relocated to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, near Bethlehem in the Free State, a sanctuary that provides lifelong care to around 100 rescued big cats.

Since their arrival, Shevar and Sharukh have embraced their new life.

No longer confined to barren enclosures, they now enjoy:

• Spacious natural habitats with grass, trees, and platforms for lounging
• Enrichment activities that stimulate their minds and encourage natural behaviours
• Access to a pool, where they love to cool off and even bring their toys
• Veterinary care and support, tailored to their unique needs

The brothers are known for their playful personalities and strong bond. They often relax side-by-side, observing the free-roaming wildlife around them, or engaging with enrichment items sometimes even dragging them into the water for extra fun.

Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager at LIONSROCK, shares her heartfelt thoughts, “When Shevar and Sharukh arrived, they were fragile, physically and emotionally. They had survived starvation, isolation, and fear. Watching them now, basking in the sun, playing in their pool, and simply being tigers again it moves me deeply. These animals may never return to the wild, but here, they have found peace. And that, to me, is a testament to the power of rescue and rehabilitation.”

Shevar and Sharukh’s story is more than a tale of survival, it’s a powerful testament to the impact of compassion, collaboration, and sanctuary. As we celebrate their Rescueversary, we honour their journey from suffering to safety and reaffirm our commitment to protecting animals in need.

While zoos have historically offered people the chance to observe wild animals up close, they carry a responsibility to meet legal standards for animal welfare. This includes fulfilling the biological needs of the animals and contributing meaningfully to conservation and education. Sadly, in many cases, these standards are not upheld. Animals are still forced to live in cramped, unnatural conditions, deprived of the space, stimulation, and dignity they deserve.

For more information, please visit our website at www.lionsrock.org

Author: Deidre Daniels .