Mannie, who spent his life at the Mondo Verde theme park in the Netherlands, has been sent to The Lions Foundation’s Center—thanks to your support.
For most of his life, Mannie lived alone in an indoor enclosure at the Mondo Verde theme park in the Netherlands, with only a small outdoor passage and no contact with other lions. But now, he’s beginning a new chapter—one filled with sunlight, open spaces, and the company of his own kind.
Image credit: The Lions Foundation
Thanks to the relentless work of animal advocates, Mannie has been relocated to The Lions Foundation, a private nature reserve that’s now home to 24 rescued lions, including Mannie. Here, he’s being lovingly monitored in a special adaptation enclosure to help him adjust to his new surroundings.
Soon, he’ll be introduced to a 1.5-hectare savannah and, in time, to two lionesses—Sara and Naija—who have been at the sanctuary since 2022. With patience and care, there’s hope they’ll become his new pride.
Image credit: The Lions Foundation
Mannie’s journey to freedom was made possible by a 2024 report from nonprofit organization Bite Back, which uncovered troubling welfare violations at Mondo Verde, including unlicensed animal displays. After the report’s release, Bite Back successfully negotiated Mannie’s relocation, and by November 2024, the plan was in motion.
World Animal Protection played a crucial role in this rescue. We brought Mannie’s story to the Dutch government to call for lasting change in zoo policies, and we stood beside Bite Back through negotiations. Thanks to our incredible supporters, we raised over $50,000 in just five days to fund Mannie’s transport and new enclosure.
But Mannie’s journey doesn’t end here. World Animal Protection has pledged to cover the cost of his food and medical care at the sanctuary. With your support, we’re confident we can give Mannie the care he deserves.
Every dollar makes a difference. Whether it’s helping a single lion like Mannie or working to dismantle the industries that harm billions of animals each year, your support brings us closer to a world where animals are no longer exploited.
Donate today and help Mannie thrive in his new forever home.