Diya

Born 7 October 2018, Ukraine
Rescued by the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization
Arrived at LLA 5th Feb 2020
Lives with: Frieda and Demira
Tawny lioness
Parents: Unknown

Diya was born in Ukraine, where she was a cub at a petting park for tourists to ‘play’ with. She had been taken away from her mother. While the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organisation were organising a rescue of lions from Ukraine to South Africa, they found out about Diya. Luckily for her, she would be included in the rescue mission.

Demira and Frieda came from this same Ukrainian mission. Diya was only a few-months-old when she was found, and then she was moved to a holding facility. Frieda, who was a bit older, went to the same facility and the two developed a deep and affectionate bond, supporting each other through their wait. Later, they were moved to Borispol, Kiev. This is where the Love Lions Alive team fetched them to bring back to South Africa.

Diya now lives with her friend, Frieda, as well as Demira. The three lionesses love and care for each other deeply. Diya loves to roam and play in her new space, and especially loves to bask on the rocks on sunny days. We also have plans to hopefully move Cecil/Mkhulu in with the three lionesses.

Co-Guardian 2024-25

3x Dickie Duursma