Rescue operation Slovakia October 2nd 2025

Stichting Leeuw has collected three animals from Slovakia: two pumas (a 11-year-old male and a 5-year-old female, not a pair) and a panther (an 11-year-old male). The animals were owned by a private individual who kept them in a private mini zoo. He cared for the animals himself and also entered their enclosures. During one of these visits, he was attacked by the panther and suffered fatal injuries. A close friend later found him dead in the enclosure. After his death, a family member inherited the animals. She temporarily cared for the cougars and the panther, but sought a permanent and suitable home for the animals. Stichting Leeuw was asked to help and is now taking over the animals.

This tragic incident emphasizes once again how dangerous it is to keep wild animals in a home environment.

After a very long journey of 17 hours, the team and the animals arrived safely in Anna Paulowna at 6 a.m. on Thursday, September 25. The animals survived the journey well and are now recovering from the trip and all the impressions. They will first stay in the quarantine facility for 30 days. After that, they will move to the main building of Stichting Leeuw, where visitors can also see them.