Rescue Lioness Nala
Once exploited for human amusement to living a species appropriate life at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary
Nala, born in 2015, was rescued from a man in France who trained and sold wild animals to circuses. For years, the French authorities tried to confiscate his animals, but only in the spring of 2017 did they finally receive legal permission to act.
Following the rescue, Nala was taken into the care of Stichting AAP and transferred to their big cat rescue centre, Primadomus in Spain, on 1 March 2017.
At the time, LIONSROCK was caring for a young male lion named Saeed who was in need of a companion. Having worked closely with Stichting AAP before, it was decided that Nala would move to LIONSROCK, allowing Primadomus to create space for future rescues.
Nala arrived at LIONSROCK on 11 October 2018 and was initially housed in the Special Care Unit, where plans were made to introduce her to Saeed. Sadly, before the introduction could take place, Saeed died unexpectedly.
Life at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary
In February 2024, Nala was moved to Unit 4, where she continues to enjoy the safety, care and spacious surroundings of her forever home. Today, this beautiful lioness gets to enjoy what every animal deserves: time to explore, enrichment to stimulate her curious mind, and the chance to show off her wonderfully unique personality.
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Her Life Today
She now enjoys the simple joys she deserves, from boxes and teddy bears to creating her own lioness-approved accessories.
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Meet Lioness Nala
Her story sheds light on the plight of wild animals exploited for circuses and the incredible efforts that are made to give them a second chance. Nala was rescued in France, where she was confiscated from a man who trained and sold wild animals to circuses. Nala joined the LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary family in 2018 and has been enjoying a species-appropriate life ever since.
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A Big Surprise for Lioness Nala
Watch lioness Nala at our LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary get a big surprise as part of her enrichment!
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Nala & Saeed
Remember Nala, the lioness rescued from France? She arrived at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in October 2018. Nala is living in the enclosure next to Saeed – who was rescued from a zoo in Syria. Our fingers are crossed that they could be socialised, and here is something very encouraging for us.
