Adopt lioness Kassala

Born to the horrors of war

Kassala is the youngest of the lions rescued from an active warzone in Sudan in early 2024. Born in war, she knew only fear, hunger and the noise of bombs destroying the world around her. When we met her, she was desperately thin and would protect any food we gave her with her whole body, growling and watching our every move with giant, wild eyes until we were far enough away from her that she felt safe to eat. Her own father, Altayeb, starved in the enclosure next to hers and her mother, Burra, tragically passed away the day before we arrived.  

Her and her companions’ journey out of Sudan saw them pass over 50 checkpoints, travelling dangerous roads, risking missile air strikes and navigating the challenges of curfews, blackouts, floods and limited supplies of food and fresh water. But it was all worthwhile. Kassala and ten other lions arrived at LIONSROCK on 16 February 2024, where they have received specialised care and finally found solace. 

Kassala’s new world 

Kassala is undoubtedly a strong and resilient lion after everything she’s been through, but as her recovery progresses, she’s also starting to show her curiosity and playfulness as she grows more comfortable socialising and leaves the fear that dominated her existence behind. She can now often be seen relaxing in the sun with her head on the paws of her companions – a total transformation from the scared young lioness we initially met. 

Long-term starvation, particularly in young animals can cause irreparable damage to the internal organs and stunt their development. As a result of this early malnutrition, Kassala’s paws are outward turned, but this will correct with time and the proper nutrition she’s now receiving.  

Together with the psychological trauma of what she’d been through, Kassala has a lot to still overcome, but at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, she’ll continue to receive the special care that she needs for the rest of her life. 

Adopt Kassala

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What you can get
Gifts you will receive when you adopt Kassala
Kassala is waiting to be adopted

Your adoption will help fund her care and support her species-appropriate life at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. But it will do even more than that: your support makes sure that we can continue to help more lions like Kassala and create a world where people treat animals with empathy, respect and understanding.   

As Kassala’s sponsor, you will receive regular updates, photos and videos from her caretakers. You will also receive a personalised certificate, a gift bag featuring Kassala and you can choose whether you would like to receive a Kassala plush toy to have a beautiful reminder of her with you always.