Vienna/Bethlehem, 14 April 2025 – On Thursday, 10 April, the long journey of Tomoyo and Illiana came to a happy ending, when the two circus lionesses arrived safely at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, operated by global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS in South Africa. After years of being caged in a circus wagon near Paris, the two felines were finally released into their new species-appropriate enclosure in the African savannah. FOUR PAWS 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,” says Patricia Tiplea, Head of Wild Animal Rescue & Advocacy at FOUR PAWS, who accompanied the transfer.

Illiana and Tomoyo — a life in captivity

Born in a circus, Tomoyo and Illiana bear the traces of their past. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, they were forced to perform in the ring for many years and 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, Tomoyo and Illiana were relocated from a small circus residing near Paris along with another lioness named Pepsi. This happened in light of a French legislation prohibiting performances of wild animals in French circuses from December 2028 onwards. Last December, the three lionesses 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. The team at Tonga Terre d’Accueil tried their best to help Pepsi but given the severity of her condition, she could not be saved.

Lionesses Tomoyo and Illiana seem 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 09 April their journey continued and they were transported from Paris to Johannesburg by plane and then to LIONSROCK on 10 April. 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.

Big cats in circuses

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,” says Thomas Pietsch, Head of Wild Animals in Entertainment at FOUR PAWS.

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary: South African sanctuary for rescued big cats

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. 

More information on the issue of wild animals in circuses can be found here.