Sponsor a Lion
History
Roar to Prolong Their Reign
Gifted with physical strength as well as exceptional cognitive abilities, lions have long ruled the wild. After depriving them of their territory and enslaving them, humans must mobilize to protect these majestic felines.
These great felines are the only social cats. With powerful bodies, highly developed senses, remarkable intelligence, and extremely rich emotional lives (see sentience sheet), they have not inherited their title of “kings of the animals” by chance. They have long reigned over the wild world, in India, West and Central Africa, as well as East and Southern Africa. Unfortunately, these majestic beings have lost their throne. To the extent that their species (Panthera leo) is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The West African population is even “critically endangered.” Lions are indeed victims of many plagues: habitat reduction (related or not to climate change), dwindling prey, human predation (poisonings, trapping, shootings, trophy hunting, trafficking of their bones, limbs, and skin). Persecuted in the wild, they are also in captivity. They are raised on farms in South Africa to satisfy wealthy tourists who enjoy canned hunting. Elsewhere, circuses exploit them by training them to perform degrading acts and imprisoning them in cages where they can no longer move or socialize with their peers.
Semproniano Sanctuary
We have transferred the lionesses we rescued from a circus to the Semproniano sanctuary in Italy. Nestled in the hills and woods of Tuscany, it is a haven of peace for the big cats who have suffered abuse and can no longer adapt to wild life. Here, we continue to take care of them. A qualified team, specialized veterinarians, a spacious, green environment adapted to their ethological needs surround them!
Animal sponsorships
Céleste
Sponsoring Céleste means giving her the immense joy of finally experiencing life in the open air and satisfying her insatiable curiosity. Your support will help her try to forget her long years of slavery in a circus.
Playful by nature, Céleste enjoys playing with everything since she discovered what life outside prison and away from blows looks like. However, when we rescued her, she was in terrible shape. She suffered from a severe tail injury that could be operated on. But despite her past traumas, physical scars, and front paws permanently declawed by circus trainers, she still manages to find reasons to smile at life!
Sponsoring Céleste means giving her the immense joy of finally experiencing life in the open air and satisfying her insatiable curiosity. Your support will help her try to forget her long years of slavery in a circus.
Hannah
Sponsoring Hannah means supporting her in her determination to always remain courageous. By being by her side, you strengthen her resolve to forget her past in a circus and show her that life can be sweet.
Hannah was the first to venture out of the transport crate during her rescue. Yet, the poor lioness had enormous difficulty walking due to the instability of her hindquarters caused by the many blows she had received. Ravaged by captivity and hunger, she was in a state of absolute distress. But she found the courage to lead the way to freedom for her unfortunate companions who dared not come out. Now taken care of in a comfortable environment, she has gradually regained strength and transforms day by day.
Sponsoring Hannah means supporting her in her determination to always remain courageous. By being by her side, you strengthen her resolve to forget her past in a circus and show her that life can be sweet.
Patty
Sponsoring Patty means encouraging her with every step she takes. Despite being severely marked by circus trainers’ blows, she resolutely moves forward. By providing your support, you pave the way for her resilience.
Patty is the most severely handicapped of the three lionesses. When we rescued her, she frequently fell due to a deformation of her left hip. Moreover, huge cavities caused her excruciating pain. Today, she is doing better. Well-fed, she has regained muscle mass, and her hindquarters sag less. We also treated her dental infections, relieving her of her suffering. Most importantly, she shows great resilience and has retained her capacity for wonder. When she first discovered a play ball upon her liberation, she clutched it like an invaluable treasure.
Sponsoring Patty means encouraging her with every step she takes. Despite being severely marked by circus trainers’ blows, she resolutely moves forward. By providing your support, you pave the way for her resilience.
