In May 2026, Nzuri and Kali, two 7-year-old white lion sisters who appeared to have been experiencing extreme untreated medical distress while being held at a Texas roadside zoo called Sharkarosa Zoo, were moved to a Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) facility where they were able to begin treatment and, as shared with the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), will soon undergo advanced diagnostics.

The rescue follows a complaint filed by ALDF with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which enforce the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), respectively, to compel the agencies to confiscate the two ESA-protected white lion sisters who were apparently experiencing symptoms of a severe medical condition. It is not clear if authorities confiscated the lions or if Sharkarosa Zoo may have surrendered them voluntarily following intense public pressure. Footage documented at the facility shows one of the lions, Nzuri, struggling to walk and stand, while Kali did not attempt to stand when observed. Veterinarians who documented the footage concluded that both lions were in desperate need of appropriate medical care and proper housing. The complaint asserted that the animals should be moved to a sanctuary that is accredited by GFAS, and the federal government should suspend and then revoke the facility's AWA license.

Footage shows Nzuri clearly displaying a significant medical condition, and Sharkarosa Zoo's own signage says that both lions have been suffering with mobility issues since as early as 2023.

The condition apparently results in an inability to walk, lie down, and get up from a lying down position without significant struggle due to severe incoordination and imbalance, which can cause confusion, anxiety, fear, distress and frustration, and prolonged suffering.

The unstable movement and inability to engage in healthy levels of coordinated movements causes muscle wasting, which puts extra pressure on the joints pre-disposing them to joint disease and pain.

The disease is limiting their ability to seek water and shade and remove themselves from uncomfortable positions.

Adding to their distress, footage shows these lions needed much better housing that provides greater safety and comfort and serves their medical needs. They have been in need of housing that is quiet, away from public gaze, with access to comfortable indoor space and ample soft surfaces to reduce the risk of injury.

The rescued lions are protected animals under federal law. The AWA requires licensed animal exhibitors like Sharkarosa Zoo to demonstrate adequate experience and care for these animals, but the lions at the facility did not appear to be receiving adequate veterinary care. The ESA prohibits the harassment of protected animals, which includes failing to provide proper medical care, as appeared to be the situation at Sharkarosa Zoo.

Captive white lions like Nzuri and Kali are the result of genetic inbreeding that can cause numerous issues due to lack of genetic diversity including compromised immune systems and spinal issues. Roadside zoo operators create these issues and organizations like ALDF and reputable sanctuaries are typically left to end the exploitation and rescue the victims.

ALDF will share additional information about Nzuri and Kali when we can.