Two lionesses who once knew only confinement in a circus near Paris have taken their first steps into freedom at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa.
Illiana and Tomoyo, rescued by the global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS and its partners in late 2024, were relocated to South Africa in April this year. Their arrival marked the start of a new chapter, far from the stress and limitations of their previous lives. The lionesses spent their first month at LIONSROCK in a smaller adaptation enclosure, where they were introduced to new diets, daily care routines, and the sanctuary's staff.
According to LIONSROCK Sanctuary Manager Hildegard Pirker, the animals adapted quickly. From the start, they adapted quickly to our routines and the presence of our staff, she said. Staff soon noticed that Illiana appeared to have impaired vision, prompting additional care and patience during her adjustment. Tomoyo, meanwhile, displayed growing confidence, helping to guide her sister as they settled into their new home. During the adaptation period, the animal welfare team and volunteers closely monitored the lionesses, offering daily enrichment and tailored nutrition to help them adjust to their new environment.
With both lions making steady progress, the team carefully planned their transition into a permanent, one-hectare enclosure designed to mimic a natural wild habitat. Tomoyo was the first to venture out, eagerly exploring the open grassy fields, trees, and climbing platforms. Illiana followed at a slower pace, relying on her sister's movements to navigate the unfamiliar terrain. "They showed no fear, only curiosity," said Pirker. "In the circus, they likely never ventured more than a few steps at a time. Here, they ran, explored, and interacted with nearby lionesses. It was an incredible sight."
The new space offers gradient land, lookout platforms, and natural features that encourage instinctive behaviour, something the lionesses were never able to express in captivity. "Seeing them run freely, explore the landscape, and simply behave like lions was a powerful reminder of why sanctuaries like LIONSROCK exist," Pirker added. "They were exhausted but clearly happy, discovering the kind of freedom and peace they had been denied for so long." Illiana and Tomoyo's story highlights the importance of rescue and rehabilitation work carried out by animal welfare organisations.