Two circus lionesses, Tomoyo and Illiana, arrived safely at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary at Bethlehem on Thursday (10/04) after a long journey operated by global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS in South Africa.
According to FOUR PAWS’ Public Relations Officer Deidré Daniels, the two felines were finally released into their new species-appropriate enclosure on the African savannah after years of being caged in a circus wagon near Paris.
“We are looking forward to seeing Tomoyo and Illiana thrive in their new forever home under the African sun. After years of captivity, they can finally live a lion-worthy life at our LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Although the story of Tomoyo and Illiana has a happy ending, the tragic plight of wild animals in circuses continues in many countries. FOUR PAWS urges governments worldwide to put an end to this cruel exploitation and ban circuses from keeping wild animals,” says Patricia Tiplea, Head of Wild Animal Rescue & Advocacy at FOUR PAWS, who accompanied the transfer.
Daniels mentioned that Tomoyo and Illiana were born in a circus. “Until the Covid-19 pandemic, they were forced to perform in the ring for many years and spent the last years in the circus’ winter quarters, lacking the opportunity to exercise. As a result, both lionesses are overweight.  After their owner surrendered them voluntarily in December 2024, Tomoyo and Illiana were relocated from a small circus residing near Paris along with another lioness named Pepsi,” she explained.
“This happened in light of French legislation prohibiting performances of wild animals in French circuses from December 2028 onwards. Last December, the three lionesses were temporarily taken to Tonga Terre d’Accueil refuge in South-Eastern France by the NGO Free Life and the Belgian Wildlife Rescue Center Natuurhulpcentrum. Unfortunately, the lioness Pepsi passed away shortly after due to acute kidney failure – a condition commonly found in big cats in inappropriate keeping conditions. The team at Tonga Terre d’Accueil tried their best to help Pepsi but given the severity of her condition, she could not be saved,” she further explained.
Daniels noted that Lionesses Tomoyo and Illiana seem to be in good health and have already started losing excessive weight and are building muscles, as they had access to a spacious outdoor enclosure in Tonga Terre d’Accueil. On 9 April their journey continued, and they were transported from Paris to Johannesburg by plane and then to LIONSROCK on 10 April.
At the big cat sanctuary, the team will closely monitor the two lionesses and help them settle in their new forever home under the African sun.
“The arrival of Tomoyo and Illiana at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary marks the beginning of their rehabilitation journey. Our experienced team has developed specialised care protocols to address their specific needs, particularly their weight management and muscle development. Their enclosure has been prepared with climbing structures and natural vegetation.
“We will also provide enrichment activities to encourage their physical activity and mental stimulation. And we will be implementing a gradual acclimatisation programme to help them adjust to their new surroundings whilst carefully monitoring their development. What’s most rewarding for us is seeing their transformation as they discover their natural instincts and confidence here at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary,” said Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.
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 Compiled by Justine Fortuin
