Two lions rescued after a fire destroyed their enclosure on a Free State farm have now spent eight years at Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary near Bethlehem.

Micca and Juba arrived at the Four Paws facility on 13 September 2018 after being surrendered when the fire left their future uncertain.

The lions had been bought as cubs from a breeding facility by a woman living alone on the farm following her husband’s death. The animals were kept for security purposes until the fire destroyed their enclosure.

At Lionsrock, the pair have space to roam, receive specialised care and can display natural behaviours in a safe, enriched environment.

The sanctuary said the lions have grown into confident adults and become familiar favourites at the facility over the past eight years.

Hildegard Pirker, sanctuary manager at Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary, said: “Micca and Juba’s eighth anniversary at the sanctuary is a reminder that, after a difficult start to life, they now enjoy the safety, space and specialised care they deserve at Lionsrock.

“Watching them thrive over the years reminds us why providing rescued big cats with lifelong sanctuary care is so important.”