Erion is a 3-year-old male lion whose origins are unclear but probably bred in captivity in Albania and illegally trafficked. Bought as a cub and kept as a pet in a cramped cage. When his owner lost interest, neglect resulted in his weight loss and eventually the loss of his mane due to hormonal imbalances.
He was noticed on social media and subsequently confiscated by local authorities due to inadequate keeping conditions. Thankfully Four Paws agreed to relocate Erion to Tierart their big cat sanctuary in Germany.
In December, after acquiring the necessary paperwork to transport a lion across international borders Erion began his four-day journey in a specially prepared van accompanied by Marc Gölkel the Tierart vet.
The transfer, spanning more than 1,200 miles through 7 countries, took 67 hours on the road including a forced to reroute due to protest roadblocks in Greece.
TIGERS in AMERICA was happy to help fund this transport and vet care.
It was not the first time we had partnered with Four Paws to get a big cat out of the Balkans and probably not the last. Investigations between 2020 and 2024 estimate there are at least 60 big cats in Albania in substandard conditions.
Erion made it to his new home in time for Christmas, his recovery has begun he now looks forward to life in the tall grass of Tierart, the perfect gift.
TIA will help any big cat get home.
