The Tonga Terre d’Accueil shelter at the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine zoological park took in three circus lionesses. A first step, before the felines are transferred to a sanctuary in South Africa.
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Fresh grass under the paws and the muzzle in the sun. These two lionesses had never lived outside in their lives. The circus life is over, their retirement can begin. On Tuesday, December 24, the Tonga Terre d’Accueil shelter at the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine zoo announced that it had taken in three circus lionesses. One of them, Pepsi, died of kidney failure a few hours after arriving at the shelter. But the other two, Tomoyo and Iliana, adapted very quickly to this new life.
“They are here in an area which is prohibited to visitors, it is a refuge closed to the public” explains Anthony Dureil, trainer. Having arrived a week ago, Tomoyo and Iliana quickly got their bearings. Aged around ten years, they were given by a circus in order to offer them the best retirement, and to anticipate the ban on wild animals in circuses in 2028. “They are in very good health, they are just a little overweight, which is surely due to the lack of physical activity where they were before.” continues the healer. Before being able to live outside, the two felines were observed and examined by the teams.
The two lionesses will then be transferred to South Africa, where they will be taken care of by the international association Four Paws.
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© FTV
Their stay at the shelter is only temporary. In a few months, the lionesses will fly to a sanctuary in South Africa, where they will be taken care of by the international association Four Paws. They won’t be the only ones to make the trip. “These two are going to leave too, they’ve been here for two years.” specifies Pierre Thivillon, founder of the zoo, with his finger pointing at an enclosure. For good reason, the logistics are considerable to undertake such a trip.
You need a very elaborate crate to transport them, and the plane ticket between Paris and South Africa costs several thousand euros. So we were able to get by thanks to associations, donations from individuals, and aid
Pierre Thivillon, president of the Tonga Terre d’accueil association
In 2025, a ten felines from the zoo will leave for South Africa. “It is i“hoped for” rejoices its founder. At the same time, the Tonga refuge continues to expand to offer the best retreats for circus animals. “On this land, we will build two new buildings to accommodate animals by 2028.” explains Pierre Thivillon. The opportunity for them to find a life closer to nature.
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