Meet Thembi and Shia just two of most loved lions at Libran Wildlife Reserve.

Thembi is our beautiful white lioness, and Shia is an African lioness. They share an enclosure and, after more than a decade together, they’re about as close to sisters as two lions can be. Like any sisters, they have the occasional disagreement… usually when food is involved!

Their story could have been very different.

Both girls were born into the canned hunting industry and were destined to be hunted. Thankfully, they found their way to Libran Wildlife Reserve after we rescued them from a facility breeding lions for that trade.

We’re pleased to say that facility closed many years ago, and the South African authorities continue to work hard to bring an end to canned hunting altogether.

For over 10 years now, Thembi and Shia have known nothing but safety, care and love. Here, they’ll never have to face the fate they were born into – they’ll simply spend their lives exactly as they deserve, together.

Lions are the second-largest big cats, after tigers.

They live mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, with a small population in India’s Gir Forest.

Lions are highly social and usually live in groups called prides.

A pride typically consists of related females, their cubs and several adult males.

Female lions do most of the hunting, often working together.

Lions mainly hunt large animals such as zebras, wildebeest and buffalo.

A lion’s roar can be heard from up to 8 kilometres away.

Male lions usually have manes, which can signal age, health and strength.

Lions can sleep or rest for up to 20 hours a day.

Wild lions generally live for around 10–14 years.