Celebrating 40 years of lion rescue, conservation, and family legacy.
On World Lion Day 2024, we celebrate a remarkable journey that began in 1984 with a lion named Bobby and founder Peter Sampson, and continues today with a lioness called Yuna and his grandson, Cam Whitnall, Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary.
1984: Bobby the Lion: A New Beginning
In the early days of our work in ethical animal rescue, our founder, Peter Sampson, led the charge in moving a lion named Bobby from life in a barren 4×4 concrete cage at Broxbourne Zoo. Bobby had never felt grass under his paws or the sun on his back until Peter and his team gave him a second chance, building him a beautiful habitat in which he could run on grass for the first time at what was Paradise Wildlife Park, now Hertfordshire Zoo.
That rescue was more than a mission; it was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to wildlife welfare and the belief that every animal deserves dignity, space, and the chance to heal.
2024: Yuna the Lioness: History Repeats With Legacy
Now, 40 years later, Peter’s grandson, Cameron Whitnall, the Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary, has followed in his grandfather’s footsteps. In the midst of conflict and chaos, Cameron and our dedicated team organised a rescue project called Big Cats in Crisis with the sole aim to rescue 5 lions from war-torn Ukraine. This is where a lioness named Yuna was living in almost identical conditions to Bobby, confined to a cold, barren 4×4 cell. Against the odds, Yuna was rescued, transported, and rehomed to The Big Cat Sanctuary, where, just like Bobby, she felt grass beneath her paws and freedom in the air for the first time.
One Family. One Mission. One Vision.
This isn’t just the story of two lions, it’s the story of a multi-generational promise to protect wildlife, no matter the distance or danger. It’s about the power of legacy, passion, and purpose. On World Lion Day, we recommit ourselves to that promise: To Bobby and Yuna, we will never stop fighting for wildlife. 🧡
Watch the Video: Bobby x Yuna, 40 Years Apart, United by Hope
We’re proud to share the Bobby & Yuna video across our social platforms today. It’s a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go in the world of lion conservation and for wildlife. You can see the transformation from cold concrete to green grass, from captivity to care and witness the difference your support makes.
👉 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to watch and share the full video.
Visit Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary to help support our valuable conservation efforts!
