Lion Diego was rescued from private ownership in the Czech Republic and taken to a private big cat facility for temporary care. The plan has always been to move him to a sanctuary, but despite many efforts, Diego was not been able to find a species-appropriate home where he can get the care he deserves – until now.

Lion Diego’s early life started far from the wild landscapes that lions are meant to roam. Instead he spent much of his young life in private keeping, where he was kept alone in a cramped enclosure waiting to be sold for canned hunting. His story began to change when he was rescued by an animal welfare activist in the Czech Republic, who became his owner. The lion was temporarily moved to a private tiger facility in Slovakia, while working to find a more permanent and species appropriate home for him. For years, Diego’s owner took on the responsibility of his care, ensuring that he received a proper diet and providing him with the best possible care given the circumstances.

While there was some natural vegetation in his enclosure, Diego had no access to proper enrichment and no possibilities to interact with other lions. His environment lacked stimulation, which is crucial for a lion’s well-being, both mentally and physically. In addition, hygiene standards in the facility were worrying and the absence of professional care only made his problems worse. Sadly, the situation became even more urgent when the owner of the facility, where Diego was temporary staying, found himself overwhelmed by the increasing demands of the facility. Faced with limited resources and time, he decided that it was no longer feasible for Diego to stay at the facility and it became critical to relocate the lion immediately. This was the moment when Diego’s future took a turn for the better. FOUR PAWS worked hard to set a plan into motion to transfer Diego to a place where he could receive the care and attention he so desperately needed: FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands.

On the 5^th of November 2024, accompanied by the FOUR PAWS team and under the watchful eye of a veterinarian, Diego’s journey to a better life began. He seemed to understand that this trip was for his own good, staying calm and alert throughout the journey. It took several hours and an overnight stop, but thanks to the hard work of the transport team and FOUR PAWS staff, Diego was able to continue his journey toward FELIDA. He finally arrived at the sanctuary on the 6^th of November, 2024.

Diego’s rescue marks a new chapter in his life. Once he gets used to his new surroundings and different sounds, our team at FELIDA will support him with the first steps in his new outdoor enclosure. Diego will no longer be confined to a small space, and will finally have the opportunity to explore, play, and enjoy the kind of life that lions deserve.

The 8-year old lion is generally healthy and has shown no significant health concerns despite the hardships he has endured. This is largely thanks to the effort of the activist who rescued him, and who made sure that she could provide the best possible for Diego, given the circumstances. However, the lack of proper enrichment and space has taken a toll on his mental and emotional health, which is why this relocation to FELIDA is such an important step for his well-being. Diego’s journey is far from over, but thanks to the dedication of FOUR PAWS, his future is brighter than ever. With the support of the team at FELIDA Diego will finally receive the care, space, and freedom he deserves. His story is a testament to the power of rescue, compassion, and the unyielding hope that, with the right care, any animal can heal and thrive.