Rescueversary: 'Nikolyna' Prosper at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary
Celebrating one year of freedom, a life befitting their species
Bethlehem, 09 April 2025 – April 26th marks the one-year anniversary of the rescue and relocation of lions Nikola and Vasylyna, affectionately known as 'Nikolyna,' to their forever home at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Rescued from dire circumstances in Montenegro and Ukraine, respectively, these two lions have made remarkable strides in their rehabilitation and adaptation to a life befitting their species.
Upon their arrival at LIONSROCK on April 26, 2024, after a successful transfer from the FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands, Nikola and Vasylyna immediately began exploring their new species-appropriate environment. The sanctuary staff had meticulously prepared for their arrival, ensuring that their enclosure was equipped with elevated platforms, natural hiding spots, and interactive enrichment tools to stimulate their innate behaviours.
The young lions, both born in 2021, have exhibited significant behavioural development since their relocation. Nikola, the male, has begun displaying natural territorial instincts, patrolling and marking his domain, while Vasylyna has undergone a successful spaying procedure to prevent future health issues. Their playful interactions and engagement with enrichment activities have been a source of joy for the sanctuary team.
Plans are underway to transition 'Nikolyna' to a larger, permanent enclosure spanning one hectare. This move aims to provide them with even more space to roam and explore, ensuring compatibility with neighbouring lion groups to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
The journey of Nikola and Vasylyna highlights the critical need for global efforts against the private keeping and commercial exploitation of big cats. Their successful rehabilitation is a testament to what can be achieved when animal welfare organisations and sanctuaries collaborate to provide rescued animals with a second chance at life.
About LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary
LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, established by FOUR PAWS, offers a lifelong home to big cats rescued from captivity, providing them with a species-appropriate environment where they can live out their lives in dignity. Located in Bethlehem, South Africa, the sanctuary emphasises animal welfare, education, and advocacy against the exploitation of wild animals.
For more information, please visit our website: www.four-paws.org.za
/ENDS
Deidre Daniels
Public Relations Officer+27 (0)21 702 4277
+27 (0)78 675 8220
9B Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park,
Green Building, Cape Town, 7945
A Public Relations professional with over eight years’ experience in fostering positive relationships between organisations and media.
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FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. The sustainable campaigns and projects of FOUR PAWS focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org.za