Meet Freya, a 6-month-old lion cub who was rescued from the wildlife trade in Lebanon and has found a new home at the Drakenstein Lion Park in South Africa. While her relocation marks a success story, it also sheds light on the harsh realities faced by captive lions.
Freya will never experience life in the wild, but at Drakenstein, she joins other lions who have been saved from zoos and circuses around the world. These lions, like Ares and Brutus, have suffered abuse and neglect in their pasts.
Despite South Africa’s reputation for conservation, the country also supports a thriving captive lion industry where these majestic animals are bred for petting, canned hunting, and the lion bone trade. Animal welfare groups are urging an end to this practice, and the government has announced plans to phase out the industry.
Freya’s story underscores the importance of responsible tourism and ethical treatment of animals. It serves as a reminder that the cute cubs used for petting encounters often face grim fates as they grow older.
Join the fight to protect lions like Freya and Pi, who were rescued from dire circumstances and now call Drakenstein Lion Park their forever home. Together, we can ensure a better future for these magnificent creatures.