Farewell Bellone
Born Free is deeply saddened to share that we recently had to say goodbye to our precious lioness, 20-year-old Bellone, at our sanctuary in South Africa.
Bellone (c) Tonga Terre d’Accueil
Beautiful Bellone was one of Born Free’s four Lions of Lockdown, rehomed from a circus, who lived in a spacious bush enclosure at our big cat sanctuary in Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Here she enjoyed three and a half years of tranquillity and loving care, surrounded by the sights and sounds of wild Africa.
Very sadly, Bellone was found early one morning, peacefully lying beneath a tree in her enclosure, where she had died. Her passing was unexpected, as this wonderful lioness had been doing well. Our Shamwari team had noticed she was not quite herself the evening before, and had planned to run some tests, to find out more. But, when they arrived in the early hours the following day, Bellone had already slipped away.
An examination revealed she had been living with advanced cancer, despite showing no symptoms. Although heartbreaking, it is not unusual for an animal to hide symptoms of illness in this way – they have an instinct to protect themselves from appearing vulnerable.
Saida, Bellone, Angela & Louga
Bellone – estimated to be 20 years old – had arrived at Shamwari in February 2022, alongside companions Louga, Angela and Saïda. The four lions had spent their previous lives in the circus. There, they were forced to perform unnatural tricks in noisy, stressful environments and, confined to cramped travelling wagons, were moved from city to city across Europe.
Thankfully, in 2018 the circus surrendered the lions to our friends at Tonga Terre d’Accueil, a wildlife rescue centre in France. Born Free launched a successful fundraising appeal to give them a permanent home at our sanctuary, although their move to South Africa was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
But in 2022, safe at Shamwari at last, their lives were truly transformed. Bellone, the gentlest and most reserved of the pride, finally found peace in the African bush. She clearly relished the space and quiet of her naturalistic enclosure, free from the demands and cruelty of her past. Alongside her companions, she experienced dignity, safety, and the best possible care in her final years.
Her loss comes only months after the passing of first Louga, then Saïda, making this a particularly difficult time for all of us who knew and loved these lions. Her surviving pride mate, Angela, appears to be coping well so far. Our dedicated team at Shamwari will continue to keep a close eye and do everything they can to cherish her.
Our thoughts are with our colleagues at Shamwari, who cared for Bellone with such devotion. Rest in peace, dear Bellone. Your gentle spirit will be remembered always.
With your support, our work continues to consign the exploitation of wild animals in circuses to the history books, where it belongs.