APRIL 15, 2025 – The long journey of two rescued circus lionesses came to a happy ending. The lionesses named Tomoyo and Illiana came arrived safely at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, in South Africa on Thursday April 10th. After years of being caged in a circus wagon near Paris, FOUR PAWS operated the rescue, transfer and finally, the big cats’ released into a new species-appropriate enclosure in the African savannah.

FOUR PAWS, the global animal welfare organization, calls for a worldwide ban on wild animals in circuses and stresses that the fate of Tomoyo and Illiana is exemplary of the many big cats used for human entertainment. Just in France alone, it is estimated that there are still several hundred big cats used for entertainment.

“We are looking forward to seeing Tomoyo and Illiana thrive in their new forever home under the African sun. After years of captivity, they can finally live a lion-worthy life at our LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Although the story of Tomoyo and Illiana has a happy ending, the tragic plight of wild animals in circuses continues in many countries. FOUR PAWS urges governments worldwide to put an end to this cruel exploitation and ban circuses from keeping wild animals,” said Patricia Tiplea, Head of Wild Animal Rescue & Advocacy at FOUR PAWS, who accompanied the transfer.

Born in a circus, Tomoyo and Illiana bear the traces of their past. They were forced to perform for many years until the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the circus. Then they spent the last years in the circus’ winter quarters, lacking the opportunity to exercise. As a result, both lionesses are overweight.  After their owner surrendered them voluntarily in December 2024. The two lionesses, along with another lioness named Pepsi, were temporarily taken to Tonga Terre d’Accueil refuge in South-Eastern France by the NGO Free Life and the Belgian Wildlife Rescue Center Natuurhulpcentrum. Unfortunately, lioness Pepsi passed away shortly after due to acute kidney failure - a condition commonly found in big cats in inappropriate keeping conditions.

Lionesses Tomoyo and Illiana appeared to be in good health and have already started losing excessive weight and are building up muscles, as they had access to a spacious outdoor enclosure in Tonga Terre d’Accueil. On April 9^th their journey continued as they were transported from Paris to Johannesburg by plane and then to LIONSROCK on April 10^th. At the big cat sanctuary, the team will closely monitor the two lionesses and help them settle in their new forever home under the African sun.  

Tigers and lions are among the most frequently carried wild animal species in circuses, as they are still easy to acquire and reproduce even under poor keeping conditions. The keeping in poorly secured enclosures and the training of big cats is particularly problematic, as this also means a high safety risk for humans. The animals are sometimes required to perform unphysiological movements, such as walking on their hind legs. To imprint them on humans, big cat cubs are often systematically separated from their mothers at a very young age.

“It is high time to clear the ring of wild animals. Circus life is taking a heavy toll on lions and other wild animals, who are often forced to perform unnatural tricks and suffer due to inappropriate keeping. Although France will ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses from December 2028, many wild animals are still enduring exploitation. This cruel practice must stop. Countries like Germany or the USA must follow suit. It is unacceptable that animals continue to suffer for the sake of human entertainment,” said Thomas Pietsch, Head of Wild Animals in Entertainment at FOUR PAWS.

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary is one of the 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects established by FOUR PAWS worldwide. It is currently home to almost 100 rescued big cats, including lions, tigers and leopards. They were rescued from private keeping, circuses, zoos or conflict zones all across the globe. The sanctuary encompasses a total area of 1,250 hectares. The land is also inhabited by other typical South African species that live freely like zebras and antelopes, as well as a wide variety of bird species that have found refuge on the property. 

FOUR PAWS has been fighting for years to end the global exploitation of big cats. The organization targets the Tiger Trade in Europe via the Ruthless Trade Campaign, while the Break The Vicious Cycle Campaign fights to ban the commercial trade of all big cats in South Africa. FOUR PAWS has been working on advocacy for big cats in captivity and entertainment in the U.S. supporting many state-level bans on traveling shows and circus. After years of campaigning alongside a coalition of activists, the Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA) was finally passed by Congress and signed into law in December 2022. In 2024, FOUR PAWS and coalition members celebrated a major win in Massachusetts when a bill that bans the use of certain wild animals in traveling acts became law. FOUR PAWS continues to fight for big cats by shining a spotlight on the cruelties found where animals are used in entertainment. Our Turn To Act is FOUR PAWS’ public engagement campaign aimed to educate and motivate audiences to avoid animal acts, speak up for captive wild animals, protect wild populations and the lands they inhabit, and help rescue wild animals from captivity.