A pride of starving lions has been saved from inhumane conditions at what was once called the “world’s saddest zoo” in Armenia.
After enduring years of suffering in tiny, filthy cages, these lions are now recovering thanks to animal rescue groups’ efforts and MailOnline readers’ support.
For the first time, lioness Mary and her two cubs, Zita and Geeta, were released into spacious, purpose-built enclosures in the Caucasus Mountains.
These enclosures, funded by £30,000 in donations, provide them with the space to move, stretch, and experience life outside the cramped cages that once held them.
The lions had previously sustained injuries from repeatedly banging their heads against the steel bars of their cages, but their wounds have since healed.
Mary, severely malnourished, has gained 100 pounds, and a healthy, glossy coat now covers her once-visible ribs. The lions’ eyes now sparkle with life thanks to proper nutrition and care.
The lions’ plight came to light through a MailOnline report earlier this year, prompting an overwhelming response from readers worldwide.
Alan Knight OBE, CEO of the International Animal Rescue (IAR), was stunned by the rapid outpouring of support, calling it the fastest response he had ever seen for an animal charity appeal.
The Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), with help from IAR and Sophie Newton, a dedicated fundraiser, carried out the rescue.
Although the lions are now safe in their new mountain sanctuary, more funding is needed to complete their journey to the UK, where they will eventually live in a dedicated sanctuary in the Peak District.
The Nature Foundation aims to raise an additional £200,000 to build an enclosure where the lions can spend the rest of their days in peace.
When the story was first reported, some feared help might come too late. The private zoo in Gyumri, where the lions lived, had fallen into extreme neglect. Along with the lions, two starving bears and two guinea pigs lived in tiny cages with little food.
The animals were once part of an Armenian oligarch’s private collection, meant for show at lavish jungle-themed parties. However, when the oligarch fell ill and disappeared, care for the animals ceased.
The lions survived on a meager diet of slaughterhouse scraps, fish, and scavenged plants, all provided by an elderly couple, Hovhannes and Alvina Madoyan.
The couple discovered the animals in distress two years ago and began feeding them what they could. Despite their efforts, local authorities and businesses offered no assistance.
The situation took a positive turn after the MailOnline article went viral. Animal rescue organizations quickly mobilized to save the lions and the other animals.
The two bears, Masha and Misha, were transferred to a sanctuary in Romania, while the lions were relocated to the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge, where they now live.
Alan Knight praised the generosity of MailOnline readers, stating that their donations were instrumental in making the rescue possible. The lions were moved to a national park with the funds raised, and their new enclosure was built.
The relocation process began just a few weeks ago, with the lions finally stepping into their new home earlier this week.
Mary had to be sedated for a medical checkup, but her overall condition was found to be surprisingly good, considering the years of neglect.
The lions, who had lived in separate cages, will gradually be introduced to each other as they adjust to their new surroundings.
Anna Ryder Richardson of Manor Wildlife Park in Wales is preparing to house the lions temporarily while their permanent enclosure is built at the Peak Wildlife Park in Staffordshire.
She hopes to provide them with a natural, fulfilling environment where they can live comfortably for the rest of their lives.
Before leaving Armenia, Alan Knight had one final task. A generous donor, moved by the lions’ story, provided $4,000 for the animals’ care, with $2,000 specifically earmarked for Hovhannes and Alvina, the couple who had kept the lions alive. Knight delivered the funds to the couple, describing their joy as priceless.
Once the lions move to the UK, their current enclosure in the Caucasus Mountains will become a sanctuary for other needy animals, including leopards, bears, and lynx.
“This is not the end,” Knight said. “It’s just the beginning.”
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