Gjoni’s journey to FELIDA began in November 2019, when FOUR PAWS was alerted to the shocking discovery of a lion being kept in a cage on the grounds of a restaurant in Kosovo. Investigations quickly revealed that Gjoni had been smuggled illegally into the country.

In 2020, the authorities in Kosovo confiscated Gjoni, but with no adequate facility available in the country, he was forced to remain in his small cage at the restaurant for years. During this time, FOUR PAWS remained actively involved, working with authorities to find a species-appropriate, long-term solution for him but Gjoni’s rescue was complicated mission. For several years, FOUR PAWS worked hard to explore numerous solutions.

In March 2022, Gjoni’s situation reached a crisis point. A fire broke out at the restaurant where he was still being held, making his already unsuitable living conditions dangerously unsafe. With no lion-specific sanctuary in Kosovo, the only safe option was to relocate him to our BEAR SANCTUARY Prishtina. Although not designed for big cats, our colleagues in Prishtina were able to provide him a safe temporary home. Gjoni was finally out of the restaurant cage. However even under the best care of our colleagues, this relocation was always seen as a short-term solution. Bears and lions have very different needs and Gjoni deserved a permanent, species-appropriate home.

Years of determination and coordination finally paid off. By 2025, with all the necessary paperwork and permits secured everything was finally ready to give Gjoni a future he had long been denied. FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary was chosen as the best fit for Gjoni. Not only because we had a species-appropriate enclosure available, but also because of the potential socialisation match with lioness Elza, who may one day become his companion.

Thanks to the important work of our caretaker team at BEAR SACNTUARY Prishtina, Gjoni was well-prepared for the journey and entered his transport crate without hesitation and 3.000 km later arrived safely in the Netherlands. Gjoni now lives at FELIDA, where he receives the expert care, space, and enrichment he needs to heal from his traumatic past in the restaurant. He has a new chance to behave like a lion: roaming his enclosure, exploring new scents, and hopefully forming a bond with a lovely lioness. 

His story is a powerful reminder of the cruelty many wild animals still face in captivity but also a testament to what’s possible when compassion, expertise, and persistence come together.