asha

Asha and two other lions arrived from the Catskill Game Farm in New York just before Christmas 2006. With the closure of their animal park, the game farm auctioned off 950 animals and made east coast and national headlines.

Animal welfare activists worried that some of the animals would wind up in the hands of unscrupulous dealers, or that animals, such as deer or goats, would go to people who run 'canned shoot' operations where hunters pay to shoot fenced-in animals. Many groups intervened and negotiated the purchase and placement of animals in sanctuaries to ensure a safer fate. It is described as one of the largest animal rescues of its type.

Asha arrived with several scars on her face and hindquarters - the haunting reminder of her previous confinement. She is the jolliest lioness you will ever meet and is much larger than any other lioness we have seen. Asha loves all sorts of enrichment, from balls to scented boxes and plastic pools.

Pine County Tiger Bears Burden of Big Cat Boom - Star Tribune Article - 1/7/2007

Just Look at Us Now - Life after the Catskill Game Farm Auction - Fall 2007