Karlos & Ivana: Bravery, Healing, & Hope

Crippled by malnutrition, mistreatment, and neglect.

Rescued from a life of misery and suffering.

Now living a life of freedom.

This is the story of Karlos and Ivana.

This is what rescue is all about.

A Spotlight on Captive Lion Farms

In 2019, Inspectors from the National Council of SPCAs’ (NSPCA) Wildlife Protection Unit (WPU) visited a notorious lion breeding farm in Lichtenburg, North West. Numerous concerns about the state of their lions had plagued the farm for years. The NSPCA had previously uncovered severe forms of abuse and neglect at the farm, following three separate inspections.

At one of their inspections, WPU’s Inspectors found two cubs in a severely compromised state. Unable to walk and suffering from involuntary tremors and a potential neurological disorder, the cubs were immediately removed from the farm and taken to a place of safety. The news of the staggering suffering uncovered at the Lichtenburg farm hit the news, images of two emaciated and crippled cubs tugging at the heart-strings of animal lovers country-wide. Named Karlos (“free man”) and Ivana (“gift from heaven”) for their indomitable spirits, the two cubs were finally freed and placed on the road to recovery.

In addition to the cubs’ poor physical conditions, the Inspectors found other scenes of deplorable neglect on the farm. Wild animals were crammed into small enclosures, with little to no shelter, dirty water, and parasitic conditions. Some animals were so unhealthy and obese that they were unable to groom themselves. Many lions were suffering from mange.

From Heartbreak to Health

The case garnered heat from the owner of the breeding farm, after the NSPCA laid charges against him for contravention of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 for animal cruelty. The owner subsequently sued the NSPCA for defamation once his identity was revealed, as well as a loss of income as a result of the breaking story. Despite the threats, the NSPCA stood its ground. It is now more than six years since Karlos and Ivana were rescued, and these two fighters are thriving at their home at Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary, an NSPCA-accredited rehabilitation facility.

Ivana and Karlos have recently celebrated their sixth birthday. These inseparable siblings continue to epitomise the bravery and strength that have characterised their incredible recovery from a life of pain and cruelty. After years of nutritional meals and essential supplements, Karlos and Ivana are a far cry from their sad start to life. No longer do they struggle to move, crippled by tremors. Now, Karlos and Ivana play, jump, and run like the strong and healthy lions they deserve to be, having bravely overcome the severe malnutrition and mobility issues they suffered with as cubs.

“Ivana remains as brave and cheeky as ever, and Karlos continues to fill his role as the protective big brother beautifully. They’re often found sleeping side by side or playfully chasing each other around, especially when there’s enrichment involved!” says Heather Blackstock, Panthera’s Marketing Manager.

“This success story illustrates the power of determination and resilience. The NSPCA stood their ground to ensure that Karlos and Ivana were given the life of freedom they deserve. Six years later, they are happy and safe,” says the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit Manager Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter.

A Celebration of Survival

Karlos and Ivana will continue to live a life of comfort and freedom in a custom-built enclosure at Panthera. Panthera Africa is an environmentally friendly sanctuary for any captive-bred big cats. Here, rescued animals are protected and cared for, for life.

In the spirit of rebirth, renewal, and life, this year we are celebrating the Easter holidays by remembering the long and arduous journey travelled by Karlos and Ivana, their unbreakable spirits, and all the caring hands that were and continue to be responsible for their rescue from an unimaginably harrowing fate.

Karlos and Ivana entered this world into a place of cruelty and suffering, skeletal, sick, and unable to stand. Their torment unleashed a story of resilience and strength. Their plight highlighted the cruel and inhumane world of lion breeding in South Africa, the exploitation and complete disregard for life that epitomise this industry. Although these brave siblings still carry the scars of their earlier neglect (Ivana will stumble if she is overexcited), they now share a life of safety and peace.