It’s veterinary day at the Sanctuary and Dr Peter Caldwell is with lioness Coralie. She came to the Sanctuary in May 2025 with her partner Goliath after being rescued from a circus in France, the country phasing out the use of wild animals in circuses by 2028. The pair spent 10 years in a tiny circus cage. Coralie will be spayed to prevent breeding (she currently has an implant from before she arrived) and the risk of pyometra and some cancers in later life.

Checking in to see Tomas, with Kimba and Sasha, and Tarzan. The lions were rescued during ADI Operation Liberty in Guatemala to assist the authorities with enforcement of the country’s ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. In June, Dr Caldwell removed part of Tomas’ bowel after part of the gut had become wrapped around itself and his health had deteriorated rapidly but he has responded well to the operation. Tarzan’s companion Tanya recently passed away and grief protocols are in place to help him cope with his loss. He has been up and down since Tanya; some days good, others he is feeling his age and various health issues. Dr Caldwell will check on him and we will keep monitoring and supporting him.

Lioness Coralie being returned to her habitat to recover, after being spayed and checked over by Dr Caldwell. Goliath will have access to their night house next door so he can be near her. A biopsy has been taken from the lump removed from her shoulder for testing.

With Aziza, one of the Kuwait 6 lions rescued from the illegal trophy pet trade in Kuwait, as Muheeb is being darted. Dr Caldwell says that Muheeb is looking good and has gained weight. Muheeb has unusual paws and placement of his claws, likely a result of inbreeding, and the claws do not retract as normal. Dr Caldwell treated an ingrowing claw, trimming it and other claws as needed. Muheeb is then has taken back to his heated night house to recover.

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