Rescued Lionesses Illiana and Tomoyo Begin New Life at a Big Cat Sanctuarynear Bethlehem
Rescued Lionesses Illiana and Tomoyo Begin New Life at Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary
Two lionesses, Illiana and Tomoyo, who spent years confined in a circus near Paris, took their next steps at Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary after being released into their permanent, species-appropriate enclosure. The release followed a month of careful observation and adaptation under the care of the sanctuary’s animal welfare team.
The lionesses were rescued by a global animal welfare organisation and its partners in late 2024 and relocated to South Africa in April 2025. Upon arrival at teh big cat sanctuary located near Bethlehem, they were placed in a smaller adaptation enclosure where they gradually adjusted to their new surroundings, diets, and caretakers.
“From the start, they adapted quickly to our routines and the presence of our staff,”
said Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager at the Big Cat Sanctuary located near Bethlehem.
“We observed that Illiana appeared to have impaired vision, which made her more cautious, especially when it came to recognising her environment and adjusting to change."
Throughout their first month at the Big Cat Sanctuary, staff supported by volunteers monitored their progress daily, while offering enrichment activities and tailored diets to support them during this crucial first phase in a complete new and different environment. The sanctuary team planned their transition into the larger enclosure with particular care, especially to ensure that Illiana felt safe and supported. Once released, Tomoyo confidently ventured into the one-hectare enclosure, eager to explore the trees, grassy areas, and climbing platforms. Illiana, true to her nature, took more time to assess the new space, slowly following her sister and using her as a guide.
“They showed no fear, only curiosity,”
said Pirker.
“This new space is vastly different from the life they knew. 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 enclosure offers not only natural terrain, including gradient land, trees, and open grassy fields, but also constructed lookout platforms that allow the lionesses to survey their surroundings and seek shelter. It was a habitat they had never known but immediately began to enjoy.
“Seeing them run freely, explore the landscape, and simply behave like lions was a powerful reminder of why sanctuaries 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 journey is a powerful testament to resilience, recovery, and the impact of dedicated animal welfare efforts. Their story brings hope to the many wild animals still waiting for rescue from cruel and exploitative conditions.
