The siblings Roman, Vincent, Dolf, Ellie and Geena were born in private keeping in Romania before they were, together with their two older siblings Elza and Simba, rescued by FOUR PAWS.

When Simba, the older brother, reached the news after he was exploited in a videoclip, FOUR PAWS worked hard to change the future of the lions found in private keeping in Picior de Munte, Romania. Long negotiations and intensive preparations led to the actual rescue in the fall of 2021. 

On the 1st of October, all seven siblings arrived at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands. After the release it became clear pretty soon that although the five youngest siblings come from the same litter, each animal is very different and therefore needs a different treatment plan.

Roman, Vincent, Dolf, Ellie and Geena, used to live together before we rescued them. However, since they are close to reaching sexual maturity and we want to avoid offspring – because they are related, but also since FOUR PAWS has a strict non-breeding policy to avoid more wild animals in captivity – we separated them since their arrival to take proper measures. After Ellie and Geena have recovered from their laparoscopic castrations, it was time to reunite them!

Because Dolf is the most submissive of the group, we gave him a head start by reintroducing him with his sisters first. This went well, so Roman and Vincent were soon allowed to follow. 

Since the siblings are getting mature, we also see the dynamics changing. Roman is developing himself more and more as the big leader of the group. Dolf on the other hand, is last in ranking. This is not necessarily a bad thing: they have to find their way of living together in a peaceful way. We do however keep a strict eye on all of them to ensure they get the tailor-made care they need. 

The 5 young lions Roman, Vincent, Dolf, Ellie and Geena had outgrown FELIDA. Thanks to their youth, health and high energy level , they no longer required special care but as much space and freedom as possible. On the 10th of August the Quintuplets made the big trip to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. The siblings are now living their best life while having lots of space to run around and play. We could not be more proud and are beyond happy to see that they are home at last.

The moment we have all been waiting for: The quintuplets are HOME! The quintuplets arrived safely at LIONSROCK. We say goodbye to them with a smile and a heavy heart. On the one hand, we will miss the 5 lions very much, because we have devotedly taken care of them during the last year. But on the other hand, we also know that LIONSROCK, which is offering them almost unlimited grassland with bushes and trees, is exactly the right place for the young energetic animals. So, our entire team is very happy for them. 

WELCOME HOME in paradise, dear Roman, Vincent, Dolf, Ellie and Geena.

After 10 months of re-socialisation, crate training and intensive medical care the quintuplets no longer needed special care and were ready for the next chapter of their lives. Since the 5 young lions were so full of energy, it was decided that LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary would provide the best long-term care and home for them.

They have been residing here since August of 2022, and thriving under the South African sun in their species-appropriate enclosure! The siblings love their spacious home.  

Here’s to many more years in paradise Roman, Geena, Dolf, Vincent and Ellie!