Lion Rudo enjoying the sun

An unexpected turn 

Rudo is one of 15 lions removed from a breeding facility in South Africa that failed to comply with critical regulations. They faced a certain, cruel fate at the hands of the captive breeding industry, but luckily, the South African authorities stepped in, and ten of the 15 lions were handed over to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - a decision that saved their lives.  
Although they were in fairly good physical condition, the lions had been kept in completely inappropriate conditions with 15 lions being crammed into three small enclosures.  

Rudo, together with his brother, Kali, father, Sandile, and seven females, Kimi, Dandi, Sarafina, Sihle, Zuri, Zendaya and Khaya were released into their spacious enclosure in November 2022, where they have enjoyed spending their time lying side by side on top of a wooden structure, rolling on the grass and even stalking the horses that graze on the other side of the high security fence.  

They will never again be subjected to human interaction, used for breeding or sold into an unsure future.  

A new chapter    

In the wild, young lions typically leave their birth pride once they come of age. Rudo and Kali, true to their instincts, began showing signs of independence. Their interactions with Sandile grew strained, hinting at the need for separate enclosures. It was time for Rudo and Kali to get their own space where they could forge their destinies without the shadow of their father.  

The two brothers can now be seen napping and rolling together in the sun, grooming, playing chase and playing with their favourite toy – a boomer ball (an oversized, tough, rubber sphere).  

Adopt Rudo

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What you can get
Gift you will receive when you adopt Rudo
Rudo is waiting to be adopted

Your adoption will help fund his care and support his 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 Rudo and create a world where people treat animals with empathy, respect and understanding.   

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