Rescued Lions from Montenegro and Ukraine Find New Home in South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa - Two young lions, previously found in dire conditions as cubs in Montenegro and Ukraine, have been relocated to the Lionsrock Sanctuary in South Africa, marking a significant step in their journey of recovery and rehabilitation.

This transfer was orchestrated by the global animal welfare organization, Four Paws, on April 26.

Nikola, discovered in February 2022 in the Montenegrin town of Budva, was just a cub when he was found wandering alone, severely malnourished and dehydrated, with no information available about his previous owner.

Similarly, Vasylyna was found in August 2022 in a distressing state on the streets of the Kharkiv region in Ukraine, unable to climb or run due to her underdeveloped muscles.

Both lions were born in 2021 and had been privately owned under circumstances that led to their unfortunate conditions.

After their initial rescue, both Nikola and Vasylyna were taken to the Felida Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands.

There, with the help of local organizations and authorities, they received necessary veterinary care and rehabilitation. Their stay in the Netherlands was crucial for their recovery, preparing them for their eventual relocation to South Africa.

The Lionsrock Sanctuary, their new home, provides a safe haven for big cats rescued from inadequate conditions around the world.

Here, Nikola and Vasylyna will have the opportunity to live in a natural habitat, tailored to the needs of big cats, and receive ongoing care and monitoring.

This successful transfer underscores the critical work of international animal welfare organizations like Four Paws in rescuing and rehabilitating animals from crisis situations.

It also highlights the global nature of wildlife conservation efforts, involving multiple countries and organizations working together to ensure better lives for animals like Nikola and Vasylyna.