Koda Lioness
Female Lioness
Born 1/26/2018 - Died 2023?
Date of Rescue: March 2, 2022
We are excited to share some very BIG rescue news! This afternoon BCR’s staff and vet aided law enforcement with the seizure of a 4 year old lioness. She was sedated and transported to the sanctuary and will recover in her transport before being given access to her new enclosure (Nikita’s past enclosure). She did very well under sedation and has since recovered nice and easy. Her name is Koda.
https://youtu.be/84DlM78CM64https://youtu.be/3TpqkFP-re8
Update 3/3/2022
Miss Koda Lioness is out exploring. She is being closely monitored but given space to explore.
Two Important Things You Can Do to Make a Difference for big cats like Koda Lioness:
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April 18, 2022 Update:
From Carole: We’ve worked with law enforcement on cases like Koda’s for many years. Never before has a former owner been successful in getting a court to compel the wildlife agency to send a cat to a place of their own choosing, after the cat was sent to us, but this one has. We have no other choice than to comply with the court order and FWC’s demand that we catch her and deliver her to that facility. We don’t know if we can reveal where she’s going yet. We are trying to catch her by crate training rather than sedating her again so soon after her rescue March 2. We aren’t done fighting for her and will share what we are allowed to share as soon as possible.
May 30, 2022 Update:
According to the FWC, Koda’s owner has the right to place Koda at a licensed facility of his choice while his appeal of their decision regarding his license is in process. Shortly after he had us move her to another sanctuary, he had her moved again. From what we are told, it was to a small facility operated by one of the people who has been a longtime critic of our efforts. We suspect that the reason for the second move was that at that facility he may be able to have physical contact with the cat. It is unclear what happens to Koda if the owner loses his appeal. All we can do is wait and see.
Koda, AKA Juma, is presumed dead as she’s no longer listed as a resident at SOS where her owner took her.
TRIBUTES TO KODA
Koda was more than just a lioness—she was a testament to the strength and resilience of big cats everywhere. Born on January 26, 2018, she endured challenges no lioness should face, but her journey took a transformative turn on March 2, 2022, when she was rescued and her second chapter began.
From the moment she stepped into her new life, Koda embodied courage, grace, and an untamed spirit that inspired everyone who knew her story. Her soulful eyes spoke of the trials she overcame and the freedom she deserved. Whether lounging regally in the sunlight or showing her playful, fierce heart, Koda was a reminder of why we fight for the wild.
Though her time with us was far too short, Koda's legacy continues. She was a beacon of hope for countless animals still awaiting their chance at a better life and a symbol of the power of compassion to change the world.
As we remember Koda, let us honor her by cherishing the wilderness she came from and the sanctuary she found. Her roar may no longer echo, but her spirit will forever walk among the tall grasses, where she is free at last.
Run wild, Koda. You are loved, always.
