After enduring years of hardship and captivity, Illiana and Tomoyo have finally found safe haven at LIONSROCK—a sanctuary that provides rescued big cats with large natural enclosures, expert veterinary care, and a life free from exploitation.
It’s been just a few days since their arrival, but already, these resilient lionesses are settling in beautifully. While still in the adaptation area, designed to help new arrivals safely adjust to their surroundings, both Illiana and Tomoyo are displaying encouraging signs of confidence and curiosity. This secure space allows them to become familiar with their new caretakers, routines, and the sounds and smells of the African savannah.
🧠 First Enrichment: A Spark of Joy and Discovery
One of the most exciting milestones in any rescued animal’s journey is their first enrichment experience—a form of sensory and physical stimulation designed to encourage natural behaviors, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
For Illiana and Tomoyo, enrichment has already become a highlight of their new life. Their eyes lit up (figuratively and literally) as they explored toys, scents, and platforms built just for them. Watching them engage with their environment—swatting, sniffing, climbing, lounging—was a powerful reminder of the importance of giving animals the space and stimulation they deserve.
These enrichment tools aren’t just for fun—they’re essential components of rehabilitation. They help big cats reclaim the instincts dulled by years of confinement and mistreatment. Seeing Tomoyo bat at hanging toys or Illiana stretching across her wooden platform during golden hour brings joy to the entire LIONSROCK team and everyone at Sustainable Action Now.
🌅 Settling into the Sanctuary Life
So far, both lionesses are adapting incredibly well. They’ve taken a particular liking to the elevated platforms, where they rest, observe their surroundings, and bask in the warm South African sun. From their vantage point, they can overlook their new kingdom—a landscape of peace and promise.
Once they’ve had ample time to acclimate—usually after about two weeks—they’ll graduate from the adaptation zone to a spacious outdoor enclosure, where they can roam freely and truly reclaim the wild nature that was taken from them.
👁️ Compassionate Care for Illiana
Our dedicated caretakers have observed that Illiana appears to have limited eyesight, but that hasn’t stopped her for a second. She’s confidently exploring her environment and responding well to the supportive care provided by our experienced animal welfare team.
We’re closely monitoring her condition and will continue to tailor her care plan to ensure she thrives physically and emotionally. With proper veterinary attention and a nurturing environment, she is already showing signs of strength and independence.
🌍 Why This Matters
Illiana and Tomoyo’s story is part of a much larger mission—a global effort to rescue, rehabilitate, and restore dignity to wild animals who have been victims of the entertainment industry, illegal wildlife trade, and private ownership.
Their transition from trauma to tranquility represents the very essence of what we at Sustainable Action Now and our partners strive for every single day. These moments remind us why we fight for wildlife, why sanctuaries like LIONSROCK exist, and why public awareness and support are vital to ending cruelty.
📣 Stay Connected and Spread the Word
We’ll continue to share updates as Illiana and Tomoyo explore their new lives and eventually join the other residents at LIONSROCK. In the meantime, help us celebrate their journey by:
✅ Sharing their story on social media
✅ Supporting rescue and sanctuary work through donations or volunteering
✅ Educating others about the realities of big cats in captivity
✅ Following #IllianaAndTomoyo and #FromCircusToSanctuary for behind-the-scenes updates
Their healing journey is just beginning—but with your continued support, it’s one we know will be filled with love, freedom, and fulfillment.
Sustainable Action Now remains committed to advocating for animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and global environmental justice. Join us in making sure every lioness, like Illiana and Tomoyo, gets the second chance they so deeply deserve.
🌿 Together, we are their voice. 🌿