Once disaster of epic proportions strikes, rapid and efficient emergency action needs to be taken to rescue stranded animals. Lion Simba bears testimony to the extraordinary rescue missions FOUR PAWS embarks on to save and protect animals in disaster-stricken zones.   
 
Simba was born in the Montazah al-Morour Zoo during wartime in Iraq. Abandoned and left trapped in his small enclosure, Simba and bear Lula were the only animals alive in the zoo when FOUR PAWS stepped in. Most of the 40 zoo residents had died of starvation, killed by bombs, or escaped their damaged enclosures. The rescue mission included a 33-hour transfer by passenger planes and trucks followed by months of intensive care in Jordan.   
 
After more than half a year of rehabilitation in Jordan, Simba was ready for the journey to his forever home at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in 2018. Today, under the nurturing and watchful eye of the team at LIONSROCK, Simba is a happy, lazy boy who spends most of the day sleeping in the sun. As much as he loves taking regular naps, he will never miss an opportunity to come over and play with his enrichment, a stark contrast to his past. 

Andi was born in June 2011 and was bought from a zoo in Romania, by two young girls who wanted to use her as a mascot for photoshoots with tourists on the beach. After discovering that it is illegal for a private owner to keep wild animals, they found an animal lover who agreed to look after Andi at his home outside Timisoara for most of her young life. 

Unfortunately, the conditions were not appropriate, an apt description of most big cats private keeping environments.

Andi arrived at LIONSROCK in 2012 and has been socialized with another resident, Simba.

The two live happily together in their species appropriate home. FOUR PAWS stands strongly opposed to keeping big cats as pets. Big cats are not for human amusement.