Tristan & Nala

Born: 2011
They come from Serengetipark Hodenhagen, Germany
Family: Nala is Simba’s (half)sister

These lions were born in a German animal park. Because there was no more room there for the cubs, they were moved to Stichting Leeuw in 2012, when they were about nine months old, together with Isolde and Simba, who were of the same age. The five lions all have the same father and two different mothers. As they grew up, the male lions Simba and Tristan were separated. They each got their own females. This is a perfectly natural situation; lions always live in a pride.

Nala is a very brave lionesses, although a bit shy and timid. Tristan was the biggest and coolest male lion at Stichting Leeuw. He is a true leader: headstrong, brave and very inquisitive. As these lions were raised by their parents at the animal park, their behaviour is quite a bit more natural and wilder than the other lions, who were hand-raised by people.

Nala and Tristan are strong animals, in their prime – in the wild lions have a life expectancy of ten to twelve years. Their health and age are well suited for adapting to a life in the semi-wild. Therefore, in May 2016 they moved to Africa, together with Nala’s sister Asali. We were very sad whey Asali passed away in 2017, as a result of wounds from wild play. Tristan & Nala now live together at The Lions Foundation, where they have the peace and quiet they deserve.

Did you know…
…that a transport cage for one lion costs ZAR 30,000 ($1700 / € 1500)? The medical examination that allows a lion to be moved abroad costs ZAR 15,500 ($895 / € 795).

Help more lions return to the wild, by becoming a donor of The Lions Foundation.