Nijeberkoop/Vienna, 4 August 2025 – On 30 July, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS relocated the ten-month-old lion cub Mero from Czechia to its FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands. The cub had been kept illegally by a private individual before being confiscated by local authorities in March 2025. Until its relocation to the Netherlands, it was temporarily housed and cared for at Zoo Hodonin. The team in FELIDA are experienced in providing specialised care for young lions rescued from private ownership: In 2021, they took in nine-month-old Nikola who was roaming the streets of a Montenegrin village after escaping his former keeping. Sadly, these are not isolated cases. Across Europe, many big cats suffer a similar fate, living as exotic pets in unsuitable conditions. To end this ruthless trade, FOUR PAWS urges for a ban on the private keeping and breeding of big cats throughout Europe.

After traveling over 1,000 km in the FELIDA Big Cat Ambulance, the young lion cub arrived safely at his new home in the Netherlands. Mero was released into his new enclosure where he will get the time needed to get comfortable in the new surroundings, build trust with his caretakers and receive the care to grow into a confident lion.

“The young lion cub Mero is in a crucial stage of development, and receiving appropriate care now is extremely important to limit future health and mental problems. Only a thorough health check can tell us more about potential parasites or health conditions. Based on these findings, we will then prepare a care and treatment plan tailored to him,” says Juno van Zon, Head of Animal & Facility Management at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary.

Europe: A lack in regulations puts big cats at risk

The breeding, trade and keeping of wild animals is a lucrative, global billion-dollar industry that profits from exploiting animals and weak legislations. While some countries, like Czechia, have adopted stricter regulations, there is still a lack of species-appropriate solutions for privately kept wild animals. In Czechia, the private keeping of big cats is only allowed with authorisation of veterinary authorities.

FOUR PAWS’ demands:

• A ban on the private keeping of big cats.
• A ban on the commercial trade of big cats.
• The confiscation and adequate re-housing of animals subjected to bad keeping conditions.

FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary

A home for rescued big cats FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands is one of 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects FOUR PAWS has established worldwide for rescued wild animals. The sanctuary provides specialised care and a home for rescued and traumatised big cats that were kept in inadequate conditions in zoos, circuses or private captivity. Animals that need lifelong intensive and special care stay at FELIDA.