Double your impact! 100% Match, Fall/Winter ‘25. Goal: $350,000

Can you commit to lifelong care for 2 more lions? Safe Haven needs your help…Two new lions need YOUR help!

Safe Haven’s recent acceptance of two more big cats has stretched our budgets and available habitats. But there was nowhere else for them to go.

As you are aware, when there is a large-scale seizure, Safe Haven is one of the sanctuaries that the public, law enforcement and rescue organizations turn to for help.

This large scale animal seizure – over 300 animals – was just a small blip on the national news, but it was everything for those needing rescue from abuse and neglect. We cannot say too much about it as the litigation of this case play out, but Safe Haven was quick to welcome rescued two African lions into our Safe Haven family, truly animals who needed us the most!

Ever since the passing of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, private owners can no longer use their animals to generate income the way they used to – no more uncontrolled breeding for cub petting, for instance. Tragically, however, once they are no longer money makers, many of these animals are abused, neglected and all but abandoned! Although the Big Cat Public Safety Act is important and long needed legislation, very much supported by Safe Haven, there will be a period of adjustment during which big cats will need rescue from unscrupulous owners who valued them only for the money they generated.

Safe Haven’s newest residents are examples of what happens when these roadside petting zoos/menageries are no longer able to sustain their operations. Safe Haven and our sister sanctuaries expect additional menagerie closures as owners can no longer sustain their operations. Although we are all gearing up for future seizures/closures, it is easier to place smaller exotic animals, domestic animals and farm animals. It is the larger exotics, cougars, tigers, bears, lions, etc., difficult to transport, expensive to feed and house and requiring specialized medical care, that end up desperate for a true sanctuary placement.

Although our new lions are male and female, they are not a couple and were not housed together. For one, rescue came just in time as starvation was setting in. He arrived thin and weak, but was still such a sweet boy! Safe Haven has never seen anyone enjoy a “refeeding” program of frequent small meals more than this lion! At 13, they are resilient, fattening up and doing well in their new forever home. The second lion arrived in much better condition and is also doing well.

In addition to two more large mouths to feed and two more habitats to maintain, these lions bring with them additional medical expenses as well. Neither lion is spayed/neutered and neither has had any routine medical care. A lack of dietary vitamins and supplements as cubs, and at least one period of near starvation as adults, can result in long lasting/lifelong metabolic complications and disease. We would not be surprised if both have dental issues. And at possible 19 years of age, Isabella is a prime candidate to join our team of expensive Solensia users.

Are these lions expensive? Yes! Do they deserve a Safe Haven forever home? Absolutely! Can we afford it? That’s up to YOU! How can YOU help give the lifelong Safe Haven forever care they deserve? Your generous donation means everything!

Luckily for Safe Haven our generous matching donor has stepped up again this year! He will be matching up to $350,000 to help with Safe Haven’s overall expenses, as well as funding the care of two more African lions. Can YOU help? It is more important than ever if we are going to continue to be there for these desperate animals.

Safe Haven is so grateful to our matching campaign donor and for YOUR commitment to help us raise the funding we need, your ongoing to commitment to Tomo, Sundara, Bombay, Rose, Babs, Teddy, Joan, Shree….and now two new lions. Please give generously to support these two new rescues and all the future new rescues to come. A Safe Haven forever home is only forever because your support is ongoing, your love is forever. We rely on your generosity to continue lifelong care. Can YOU help Safe Haven make room for 2 more?