Mero’s life began in a place no lion should ever be: a private home in Czechia, where he was kept illegally as a pet. His early days were marked by confinement, isolation, and a lack of proper care. As a wild animal, Mero needed space to roam, stimulation to develop, and the presence of his mother and siblings to feel safe. Instead, he was treated as a novelty, deprived of everything that makes a lion a lion.

When the Czech authorities discovered Mero’s situation, they acted quickly. He was temporarily located to a zoo in Czechia where was safe and cared for. But this was not a long term solution for him. Young lions need intensive specialised care to make sure they don’t develop serious physical and mental health issues. Soon after his rescue, with the support of FOUR PAWS, Mero was transferred to FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands. His arrival in August 2025 marked the beginning of a new life. One where he could finally start over.

At FELIDA, Mero was welcomed with open arms and expert care. As a young cub, he requires constant monitoring. Not only for his physical health but also for his emotional well-being. The trauma of being taken from his mother at such a young age and raised in captivity had left its mark. He was cautious, easily startled, and unsure of his surroundings. But slowly, Mero began to show signs of trust. He responded to the gentle voices of his caretakers, explored his enclosure with growing confidence, and engaged with enrichment items designed to stimulate his senses and encourage natural behaviour.

Mero’s development is being carefully guided by the FELIDA team. Every stage of his growth is supported with species-appropriate care, from nutrition to special enrichment schedules and behavioural observation. His caretakers describe him as a sensitive soul, one that has already seen too much fear at such a young age. Mero is starting to be more playful and inquisitive, but he is still deeply affected by any sudden changes in his environment.

Across Europe, the breeding, trade, and private ownership of wild animals, especially big cats, continues to thrive under inconsistent and often inadequate legislation. This extensive industry exploits loopholes in regulations, putting animal welfare at risk. While countries like Czechia have taken steps toward stricter oversight, including requiring veterinary approval for private ownership of big cats, comprehensive species-specific protections remain lacking.

FOUR PAWS’ demands:

• A ban on the private keeping of big cats.
• A ban on the commercial trade of big cats.
• The confiscation and adequate re-housing of animals subjected to bad keeping conditions.