Wildlife Rescue in the Kalahari – FAQs About the Lion Cubs at Modisa

In April 2025, four lion cubs were rescued from an illegal wildlife trafficking operation in Botswana. They had been stolen from the wild and were being smuggled in sports bags — likely destined for the exotic pet or trophy trade. Thankfully, they were intercepted by the Department of Wildlife before leaving the country.

The government chose Modisa as their new temporary home. It’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly. These cubs are now safe, but their future depends on thoughtful decisions, resources, and long-term commitment. We’ve received countless messages and questions about the situation, so we’ve put together this FAQ to help clarify what we know, what we can hope for, and how you can support their journey.

• Why are there lion cubs at Modisa?

  In April 2025, the Department of Wildlife in Botswana confiscated four lion cubs from a wildlife trafficking operation. These cubs were taken from the wild by poachers and were intended to be smuggled out of the country. The Department chose Modisa as a trusted partner to foster them because of our experience, facilities, and ethics.

• What gender are the cubs?

  Two cubs are females, two cubs are male.

• Where are the cubs now?

  They are currently housed in a secure area at Modisa and are under government ownership as part of an ongoing legal case.

• Why weren’t the cubs returned to their mother?

  These four lion cubs were taken from the wild by poachers – stolen from one of the most remote and vast wildlife areas in Southern Africa. Intelligence gathered by the Botswana Department of Wildlife, in collaboration with the Anti-Poaching Unit and the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), revealed the plan to sell the cubs on the black market. Acting on this intel, officials set up an undercover sting operation posing as buyers. The team intercepted the handover, rescuing the cubs and arresting one suspect on the spot. Two others fled but were captured in the days that followed.

  Tragically, the mother lioness was killed during the poaching incident. There was no chance to reunite her with the cubs – she is gone. The cubs lost not only their natural home but also their mother, all due to human greed.
  
  Their future in the wild was stolen before it even began.

• Can Sirga raise the cubs?

  No. While we understand why people might wonder, Sirga is a fully grown lioness and extremely territorial. She would see the cubs as intruders and pose a serious threat to them. Her bond is with Valentin only.

• Will Sirga eventually meet the cubs and form a pride?

  Possibly, but only if it’s safe and makes sense for everyone involved. Sirga is a unique lioness—she was hand-raised by Val and has a very strong bond with him. Any potential introduction would need to be handled extremely carefully.

  For now, the cubs are too young. As they grow, we’ll explore all possibilities to give them the best life under the circumstances. If a meeting with Sirga becomes an option down the line, it will be done slowly and under strict supervision. Right now, it’s too early to say how their relationship might develop.

• Will the cubs be released into the wild?

  It’s too early to say. Physically, they could grow up to be fully capable lions—but their early reliance on humans poses serious challenges. Lions that don’t fear people are at higher risk of conflict, especially near villages and livestock areas. However, we will do everything in our power to provide them with the best life possible and will explore all solutions in close partnership with government officials. At the same time, we remain focused on protecting truly wild lions and their habitat.

• Is Modisa now a sanctuary or rescue center?

  No. We are not a sanctuary, zoo, or breeding facility. There are many poorly regulated sanctuaries in southern Africa, and we do not want to be part of that model. Modisa remains a conservation project focused on habitat protection, community involvement, and education.

• Why are you sharing the cubs on social media?

  We believe transparency builds trust. These cubs are not content; they are responsibility. We share their story to educate the public on wildlife trafficking, the realities of human-wildlife conflict, and the urgent need for habitat protection.

• How are you funding the care for the additional responsibilities?

  Funding is always a challenge. The care for Sirga alone already requires significant resources—food, vet care, infrastructure, and monitoring. With the arrival of the four lion cubs, our responsibilities have grown tremendously. The government has entrusted us with their care, but they do not provide financial support. That’s why we rely entirely on our global community of supporters.

  The backbone of our funding is Patreon. Through monthly contributions—no matter how small—we’re able to cover the basics and continue doing the work that matters. Each new member truly makes a difference. If you want to support the lions and help us continue building a future for wild Kalahari wildlife, consider joining us: patreon.com/sirga

• Are you trying to make the cubs social media stars?

  Absolutely not. The core of our message is that lions should live wild. The cubs are only here because that option was taken from them by human actions. We will always treat them with dignity and communicate their story responsibly.

At the heart of this story is our community — especially those supporting us via Patreon. Without you, this would not be possible.