Photo by: FOUR PAWS
After years of being held captive in a circus wagon near Paris, France, two lionesses named Tomoyo and Illiana have finally embarked on their new found freedom. On April 10th, they arrived safely at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa—marking the end of their long journey and the start of their beautiful new life.
Rescued by the global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS, the lionesses were transferred from France to South Africa after spending years confined and forced to perform. Their former life left visible scars: both are overweight from years of inactivity after the circus shut down during the pandemic.
“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,” said Patricia Tiplea, Head of Wild Animal Rescue & Advocacy at FOUR PAWS, who accompanied the transfer.
At Tonga Terre d’Accueil in Southern France—where they were first moved after their surrender in December 2024—the lionesses began regaining strength and shedding weight thanks to access to a spacious outdoor enclosure. Sadly, a third lioness who was rescued with them, named Pepsi, passed away due to kidney failure, a tragic reminder of how harmful circus captivity can be.
Tomoyo and Illiana are now thriving at LIONSROCK under expert care. They will be closely monitored as they adapt to their new home—one that finally reflects their wild roots. The sanctuary, run by FOUR PAWS, is home to nearly 100 rescued big cats who were saved from circuses, zoos, private ownership, and conflict zones.
Lions and tigers remain among the most exploited animals in circuses worldwide. They’re often bred in poor conditions, subjected to unnatural training, and separated from their mothers as cubs. In France alone, hundreds of big cats are still believed to be used for entertainment purposes.
“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 traveling circuses starting in December 2028, many wild animals are still enduring exploitation. This cruel practice must stop. Countries like Germany and the USA must follow suit. It is unacceptable that animals continue to suffer for the sake of human entertainment,” said Thomas Pietsch, Head of Wild Animals in Entertainment at FOUR PAWS.
FOUR PAWS continues to lead the global fight to end this cruelty. From helping to pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act in the U.S., to recent victories like the 2024 Massachusetts ban on wild animals in traveling shows, their mission is clear: to protect wild animals from exploitation and inspire action through campaigns like Our Turn To Act.
The rescue of Tomoyo and Illiana is more than just good news—it’s a powerful reminder that change is possible.
