Rescue The Braila Group
From hardship and neglect to a fight for survival
Born in 2007 at a zoo in Braila, Romania, nine young lions faced an uncertain future from the very beginning. The group included males Gamba, Jengo, Maru, Samson and Leo, and females Gasira, Luna, Elsa and Ekira.
Struggling with limited space and financial resources, the zoo was unable to provide adequate care. Poor nutrition, overcrowded conditions and insufficient veterinary support affected the lions during a critical stage of their development, leaving some with lasting health problems, including underdeveloped hind legs caused by a lack of calcium in their diet.
Rescued from Exploitation
As the zoo struggled to care for the lions, they were at risk of being sold into the cub petting and photo tourism industry.
In June 2008, FOUR PAWS rescued the nine lions and transferred them to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. The rescue was one of the sanctuary's earliest missions and helped establish LIONSROCK as a refuge for rescued big cats.
Life at LIONSROCK
At LIONSROCK, the lions finally received the care they needed, including proper nutrition, expert veterinary support and spacious natural enclosures. As they grew older, their care was tailored to their changing health requirements, with regular monitoring, specialised supplements and medication provided when needed.
In 2014, Leo and Ekira were moved to the sanctuary's Special Care Unit to support Leo's chronic health condition. Despite ongoing treatment, his health continued to decline, and he was humanely euthanised in 2017. Ekira remained in the Special Care Unit, where she continues to receive specialised care and enjoys the companionship of neighbouring lioness Tokkelos.
Changes within the Pride
In May 2019, growing competition among the males for dominance and access to the females resulted in injuries and increased stress within the group. To protect the well-being of all the lions, the sanctuary team made the decision to separate the females from the males.
Today, Gasira, Luna and Elsa live together in their own enclosure, while the males have settled into a more stable social dynamic.
Saying Goodbye to Gamba
In August 2024, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanise Gamba after severe osteoarthrosis and neurological problems significantly impacted his quality of life.
Their Story Today
As the lions entered their senior years, their care was adapted to meet their changing needs. The remaining members of the group receive enhanced veterinary support, including regular health assessments, specialised supplements and ongoing monitoring to help maintain their wellbeing and quality of life.
In October 2025, Jengo, Maru and Samson were moved to a dedicated special care enclosure, where they can receive the additional support and comfort required for age-related health conditions.
As the Braila Group celebrates their 18th rescueversary, their story stands as a testament to the impact of compassionate intervention and lifelong care. Through their journey, FOUR PAWS continues to raise awareness and advocate for stronger animal protection laws to help end the commercial exploitation of wild animals around the world.
