Rescue Lioness Zora

After the successful rescues of tigresses Ramba and Charlota in 2023, and tiger Tajmir and lion Mero in 2025, FOUR PAWS continued working closely with the Czech authorities to support future interventions involving illegally kept big cats. This ongoing cooperation has now led to the rescue of another victim of illegal private keeping: lioness Zora.

Like Ramba, Zora was kept by the same previous owner, Karlos Vémola, in Czechia. Authorities determined that the lioness was being kept without the legally required permits, making her private keeping illegal. Following the discovery, FOUR PAWS was once again asked to support the rescue and provide Zora with a safe future.

When authorities found Zora, she seemed to be living in inadequate conditions that did not meet the needs of her species. Tragically, similar to the tigress Ramba, she had also been declawed, an irreversible and painful procedure that severely compromises a big cat's natural behaviour and welfare.

Following her confiscation, the Czech authorities have temporarily placed her at Zoo Liberec. From there, FOUR PAWS will further support the Czech authorities by providing a lifelong home for her at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary.​ Zora will live the next chapter of her life at the FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary, where she will receive expert care, species-appropriate nutrition, and a peaceful environment designed to meet her physical and behavioural needs.

At FELIDA, Zora will finally have the opportunity to leave her past behind. Surrounded by experienced animal caretakers and veterinary experts, she can recover from the hardships she endured and spend the rest of her life in safety and peace.

Zora's rescue highlights the importance of close cooperation between authorities and animal welfare organisations in tackling the illegal private keeping of wild animals. FOUR PAWS remains committed to supporting authorities across Europe to ensure that exploited big cats are given the second chance they deserve.