Arriving on 17 November 2007 from Safaripark Gänserndorf in Austria, the 12 lions were the first group transferred to FOUR PAWS' newly established sanctuary, LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. 

Due to a number of problems encountered by the safari park from the start, such as a hoof-and-mouth disease outbreak, and a large fire that broke out which claimed the lives of 37 animals, this eventually led to the closing of the park. At the beginning of 2024, Safaripark Gänserndorf declared bankruptcy and FOUR PAWS took over the responsibility for the daily care of the residing lions.

Throughout the years, the lions of the Gänserndorf Group have sadly passed away.  Lions' Neo, Kiara and Anna were the last remaining members of the group who passed between 2023 and 2024. 

Lioness Anna at 24-years-old was the oldest lion at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary before her passing in May 2024.