Luke

Born: 19th October 2014, Ukraine
Arrived at Love Lions Alive sanctuary: 5th February 2020
Tawny Male Lion
Lives with: Phuku
Parents: Unknown

We don’t know much about Luke’s life as a cub, but we do know that he was a circus lion in Ukraine. He was trained to perform and travelled around with the circus in a small cage. This was until he put his foot down, or most likely, two feet with claws extended, digging and raking violently at the ground as he growled at his trainer to say, “enough”. Thus, Luke was placed in a 1.5mx1.5m box and kept at a “home zoo”. The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization (LAEO) became involved and worked at getting the Ukrainian government to confiscate the lions and bears that were being kept in the “home zoo”. Once LAEO were able to arrange Luke’s moving, and we had acquired the correct permits and built an enclosure, he travelled to the Love Lions Alive sanctuary.

He now lives amongst the trees and grass of the South African veld and shares his home and life with Phuku. Luke is a gentle, powerful and visually striking lion who loves a good scratch against branches and trees.

Co-Guardian 2024-25

Brandy (Ruining Yang)