Seeing our Lions of Lockdown thriving in their new home is just amazing! Each month is different as the seasons change here in the southern hemisphere – it must be an experience in itself for these four, who were all captive-born in France. Coming to Africa means their environment changed dramatically – I’m sure they’ve never experienced so much space or privacy before. It’s all very new to them. 

Glen Vena

The three lionesses – Angela, Bellone, Saida and male lion Louga all love their food and are learning there is always enough for everyone. Sometimes there can be squabbles at feeding time but we have noted that, if a certain hierarchy is followed, there will be no problems – so we make sure Saida gets first pick, followed by Louga, then Bellone and finally Angela. So, we have been making use of our smaller ‘hospital camps’ and night houses to separate the cats and make sure all of them get the good food they need.

However, generally, the lions are so sweet and, as you can see, love being around each other, enjoying each other’s company. As I explained to my colleagues when the lions first arrived, I suspected that Louga might have to ‘dig deep’ to be the King of the group. Thus far we definitely have a Queen in charge, and Louga seems to be fine with this hierarchy for now!

In short, the Lions of Lockdown are doing great, and can now start to behave like real lions – an opportunity they were mostly deprived of for many years. It is wonderful to know that, with your help, Born Free’s team is making a huge difference to their lives here as the four gradually work out their roles within their little pride. It’s especially significant this year, which Born Free has declared it’s Year of the Lion – a year of action for lions in honour of the 100th birthday year of our charity’s fearless founder and lionheart, Bill Travers MBE.

SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE     MEET THE BIG CATS