LIONS OF LYON: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Born Free’s Beth Brooks answers your questions about the Lions of Lyon

Horus, Dadou, Thea and Cersei are all exploring their new home at our big cat sanctuary in Shamwari Private Game Reserve, South Africa. We’d like to thank every single one of you for making this possible – for your overwhelming generosity through donations, messages, likes, comments, shares, fundraising, events and support.

We’ve really enjoyed receiving all your questions about the cubs during our appeal and their relocation. Here, we answer the most frequently asked.

Will the Lions of Lyon ever be released into the wild?

Sadly, no. Having been bred in captivity,  the cubs would be unable to fend for themselves in the wild. At our big cat sanctuary in Shamwari Private Game Reserve they will be given expert, lifetime care in a spacious, safe and natural environment.

Will the Lions of Lyon live together at your big cat sanctuary?

Yes, the cubs will all initially live together in spacious, safe and natural enclosure.

Will the Lions of Lyon be introduced to other lions?

We have introduced big cats to each other in the past – most recently Brutus and Queen in March. We have no immediate plans to introduce the Lions of Lyon to other lions living in our sanctuary but we may consider doing so in the future when the cubs are older. 

Will the Lions of Lyon be able to breed?

None of our rescued animals in permanent care are allowed to breed. We vasectomise males or spay/give hormone implants to females. This is because we do not want to add to the captive population. Also, sanctuary space is in short supply, so we keep these spaces for animals most needing rescue.

Can I adopt the Lions of Lyon?

We are absolutely delighted the Lions of Lyon are so popular and are humbled by the offers of support we have received for them. We have no plans to add the Lions of Lyon to our adoption scheme, but you can make a donation to the work at our big cat sanctuary here. 

Will the Lions of Lyon be safe?

Yes, the cubs will be free from harm in a spacious, safe and natural environment. You can find out more about our big cat sanctuary here or by watching this short video.

Will the Lions of Lyon be shot by hunters?

No. Shamwari Private Game Reserve does not allow hunting on its land. Shamwari is a haven for wild animals. It has played a key role in reintroducing wildlife back to the Eastern Cape and has some of the most advanced anti-poaching units in South Africa. You can find out more about our big cat sanctuary here or by watching this short video.

Once again, thank you all so much for your support for the Lions of Lyon. You have made a real difference and have helped give them a better future.

We’ll be updating everyone regularly on the cubs’ progress. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.