Unfortunately, lion cub Mero is yet again another victim of the ruthless trade of big cats in Europe. In his short life, he already had to experience fear, isolation and neglect.

Mero was born in illegal private keeping in Czechia at the end of 2024. When the Czech authorities found out about him in March 2025, they immediately confiscated him to not further prolong his suffering in inappropriate private keeping. The young lion had to spend his first months without his mother and in a home where his basic needs weren't met such as space, nutrition, or enrichment befitting his species.

Luckily, a zoo in Czechia agreed to temporarily house the lion cub after he was rescued from his former owner. Lion Mero would stay at the zoo until a permanent home was found for him. 

In the meantime, the authorities reached out to FOUR PAWS and asked for our support. At FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands, we want to offer Mero a species-appropriate forever home.

A first vet check revealed that Mero is in relatively good health. However, at such a young age he is in a crucial stage of development, and receiving appropriate care at this time of his life is extremely important to limit future problems. 

Despite his young age, he cannot be reintroduced to the wild anymore. The introduction of wild animals born in captivity to the wild is a very complex process that requires intense and specialised training that has to start at a very early age.

At FELIDA, Mero will receive all the species-appropriate care he so desperately needs after his rough start in life.

After weeks of planning and preparations, the time is finally here as Mero is heading to his new home at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands. The travel crate is prepped, and Mero’s needs on the road are covered. A wildlife veterinarian will be accompanying Mero all the way throughout his journey to ensure his safety and wellbeing.

At FELIDA, the caretakers have prepared a quiet introduction enclosure — grassy, sheltered, and full of enrichment, where he can settle in gently. 

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.