Born Free in Vila Joiosa

didn't have the required permits

There's an old saying that truth is stranger than fiction and we certainly couldn't believe this story when we saw it in the local press.

Vets in the University of Murcia have recently operated on a five-month-old lioness which was totally blind and successfully removed cataracts from both its eyes. That's the good part of the story!

Prior to this the lioness had come to the attention of the authorities when a resident of Vila Joiosa reported that her neighbour was keeping it ON A BALCONY!

Police immediately discovered that those responsible didn't have the required permits or licenses to keep an animal in proper conditions, let alone in a confined space like the balcony of an apartment.

The cub, now baptised as Jacqueline, was immediately taken to an animal welfare centre to be given proper care and attention. The police theory is that the cub had been used as a prop in tacky tourist photos to make money for its owners.

Spotlight asks you not to encourage this cruelty to wild animals by having photos taken with them.

5 October 2006 Stephen White.