The group of nine lions born in a Romanian zoo in Braila back in 2007. The group consisted of four females and five males, all siblings from three different litters. 

Due to financial constraints and lack of space, the zoo struggled to provide proper care for these lions. Fortunately, in June 2008, FOUR PAWS stepped in and rescued them, bringing them to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa.

Initially, lions, Gamba, Jengu, Maru, Samson, Leo (males), Gasira, Luna, Elsa, and Ekira (females) lived together in a single enclosure. Unfortunately, Leo fell ill, and despite great efforts to save him, he had to be euthanized in 2017. His companion, Ekira, now resides in the sanctuary’s Special Care Unit (SCU).

In May 2019, the dynamics within the group changed. The males began fighting for dominance over the females, leading to injuries and stress. As a result, Gasira, Luna, and Elsa were separated from the group. Today, the remaining males—Gamba, Jengu, Maru, and Samson—share an enclosure after being separated from the original group. Ekira continues to find companionship in the SCU alongside another lion named Tokkelos.

The Braila group still remain in good stead with great health and often share their joy with the other lions with regal roars that travel across the sanctuary.