Lioness Tokkelos
Tokkelos was born on the farm that is now known as LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.
Lioness Tokkelos was born on the farm that is now known as LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. The farm, under the previous ownership, was a captive big cat breeding facility. Many of the young cats on breeding farms serve as tourist attractions and unwitting visitors to such farms pay to cuddle young lion cubs, pet them, and take photos with them, while being unaware that in this way they are supporting a horrific industry.
The cats end up in the cruelty of canned hunting and the bone trade underworld. When FOUR PAWS took over and it became LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, Tokkelos was part of the original pride taken over. Sadly, having been saved from a horrific fate, she was later rejected by the group when she reached maturity and fights became increasingly serious. Tokkelos was then relocated to our special care unit designed to accommodate her needs and close to our vet clinic.
Being mindful that big cats are social creatures, this special unit is designed in a circular formation, ensuring they are still close to their neighbours on the other side and not isolated. FOUR PAWS is opposed to the captive breeding of big cats and the exploitative, cruel trophy hunting enterprise.