Mannie the lion begins a new life in South Africa after rescue

On 17 April 2025, after a long and carefully managed journey, six-year-old African lion Mannie safely arrived at his new home in South Africa.

Mannie was previously kept at Mondo Verde, a theme park in the Netherlands, where he was denied the chance to live in a natural environment.

For most of his life, he had no opportunity to interact with other lions - a stark contrast to the strong social bonds that are central to a lion's wellbeing.

Years of confinement in unnatural conditions

For years, Mannie was confined to an indoor enclosure with only limited access to a small outdoor passage. Rejected by his father at an early age, Mannie was forced to live in solitude.

Deprived of social contact, stimulation, and space, his only companions were the constant, unnatural noises of amusement park rides. These conditions were entirely unsuitable for a wild animal.

Lions are intelligent, social creatures who need space to roam and pride members to interact with.

A new home at The Lions Foundation

Mannie's life has now changed dramatically. He has joined 23 other rescued lions at The Lions Foundation in South Africa's Schrikkloof private nature reserve.

This sanctuary provides rescued big cats with a species-appropriate environment where their wellbeing is the priority.

Thanks to the joint efforts of World Animal Protection, Bite Back, Stichting Leeuw, and The Lions Foundation - and with the generous support of our donors - Mannie's relocation was made possible. World Animal Protection contributed to the funding of a new enclosure and his safe transport to South Africa.

Sanne Kuijpers, Campaign Manager World Animal Protection:

It's a beautiful sight to see Mannie arrive safely. We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to this and made it possible.

"Mannie will be able to spend his remaining years in a more natural environment and we sincerely wish him that.

"Now he can truly be a lion again."

His first steps in the supervised isolation enclosure at the sanctuary have been taken cautiously as he adjusts to his new surroundings.

In time, Mannie will have access to much more space and, we hope, the chance to interact with other lions - something he has been deprived of for most of his life.

Protecting wild animals from exploitation

Mannie's story is a powerful reminder of why wild animals should never be kept in captivity for entertainment.

His suffering at Mondo Verde reflects a wider issue: across the world, animals are exploited for profit in zoos, theme parks and other attractions.

We continue to work towards solutions that end this cruelty. By advocating for systemic change, raising awareness, and supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts, we are helping to ensure wild animals can live the lives they deserve.

You too can be part of this movement.