FOUR PAWS; LIONSROCK

Mpumalanga officials equipped to improve protection of captive wildlife through targeted capacity building Bethlehem, 19 June 2026 — A specialised pilot training aimed at strengthening stakeholders’ capacity to manage captive predator facilities, particularly lions, was hosted at the LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary by the global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS. Supported by Humane World for …

From neglect and exploitation in Romania to lifelong care at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary Bethlehem – Eighteen years ago, nine young lions from a struggling zoo in Braila, Romania were given a second chance at life. Today, the Braila Lion Group stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, recovery and FOUR PAWS’ long-standing commitment to …

One of the sanctuary’s tallest residents thrives years after his rescue from a life in the circus. Bethlehem – LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary is celebrating the rescueversary of Romeo, a striking white lion who has become one of the sanctuary’s most recognisable residents. Romeo’s journey to LIONSROCK is a powerful reminder of the realities many …

Confiscated after illegal private keeping and rehabilitated in Europe, Nikola now thrives in the quiet grasslands outside Bethlehem. Bethlehem, 28 April 2026 – FOUR PAWS is proud to mark two years since the arrival of lion Nikola at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, near Bethlehem in South Africa’s Free State province. His journey, from a life …

This World Veterinary Day, FOUR PAWS recognises Dr Christine Steyrer and the team behind LIONSROCK’s rescued big cats. Bethlehem, 15 April 2026 – When most people imagine the work of a veterinarian, they picture stethoscopes, surgeries and medical charts. At LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, Free State, veterinary care looks very different, and it …

Sixteen years after their rescue from the DRC, the lions celebrate their Rescueversary at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in the Free State. Bethlehem, 23 March 2026 – On 31 March 2010, lions Lubumbashi, Kalemi, and Kolwezi arrived at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary after being rescued by FOUR PAWS from inadequate captive conditions in the Democratic …

Discover how specialised dental procedures, extractions and filling of root canals help protect the long-term health of LIONSROCK’s big cats. Bethlehem, 18 March 2026 – In recognition of World Oral Health Day observed on 20 March, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is drawing attention to an often-overlooked but essential aspect of big cat wellbeing: …

Once victims of neglect, the brothers now live with dignity, care and true freedom in Bethlehem, Free State. Bethlehem, 17 March 2026 – LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, operated by global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, is celebrating the six‑year Rescueversary of tiger brothers Shevar and Sharukh, a milestone marking their extraordinary journey from suffering at …

FOUR PAWS reminds the public that healthy kidneys are vital not only for people, but also for rescued lions, tigers, leopards and other non domestic felines. Bethlehem, 11 March 2026 – On World Kidney Day observed on 12 March, FOUR PAWS is drawing attention to a lesser-known but critically important topic: kidney health in big …

After the sudden passing of Vasylyna, LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary is focused on guiding Nikola through his grief and ensuring he continues to thrive. It is with heavy hearts that we remember the sudden passing of lioness Vasylyna, who left us last year. Her journey, from surviving conflict in Ukraine to finding safety and love …

From a train carriage in Argentina to a sanctuary in South Africa, Sandro’s remarkable journey reflects resilience and hope. In San Luis, Argentina, four Bengal tigers, Sandro (born 2004), Mafalda (born 2007) and their sons Messi and Gustavo (born 2011), spent more than 15 years confined to a train carriage. Abandoned by a traveling circus, …

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. …