Born in 2006 across multiple litters, lionesses Thandi, Shamelle, Malika, and Son were taken from their mothers at a young age and hand-raised by their previous property owner (now known as LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary). Their fate was intertwined with a lucrative industry that exploits big cats for profit. First through cub petting and walk with opportunity, where young lions are made to interact directly with tourists, and later as part of the canned hunting trade, where captive-bred lions are killed as trophies in canned hunts. 

Their pride initially consisted of 12 females and two males, namely Genghes and Khan. However, due to inbreeding and malnutrition, some individuals developed chronic health conditions.

To ensure their well-being, some lions had to be moved to different enclosures. While Thandi, Shamelle, Malika, and Son remained together, others like Tokkelos and Limpy were relocated to special care units. 

Sadly, the pride has suffered great losses over the years. Lions like Genghes, Scratchy, Sahara, Didi, Khan, Fiona, Bridgette and Kyla have since passed away, many due to degenerative diseases and cancers brought on by their improper upbringing.  

Today, Thandi, Shamelle, Malika, and Son are free from the cruelty they once faced. At LIONSROCK, they can live without exploitation, receiving proper nutrition, medical care, and the chance to express natural behaviours under the African sun at their forever home.