Lion rescued from 'traumatic' travelling circus by Five Sisters Zoo has eye removed

A lion who was rescued from a “traumatic” travelling circus in Belgium by a Scottish zoo has had his eye removed.

Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian confirmed that their male lion, named Skinny, lost his eye after developing a serious condition that wildlife vet Dr Romain Pizzi could not save.

Surgery was required to remove the eye and the zoo said Skinny has made an excellent recovery and is already back to his usual self.

“Our dedicated keepers continue to monitor him closely, ensuring he receives the best possible care,” the zoo said.

Skinny was one of the first lions welcomed to Five Sisters Zoo in October 2015 after being rescued alongside Boss, Twin 1 and Twin 2 from a travelling circus in Belgium.

The zoo said the lions were rescued from a life of suffering and endured years of hardship before arriving at the specially designed habitat, where they could “live free from their past trauma”.

Nine years after his rescue, Skinny is the last surviving member of the group.

He recently gained two new neighbours after the zoo rescued lionesses Luna and Plusza from Ukraine.

Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian rescued lionesses Luna and Plusza from Ukraine. Supplied

After their arriving in late 2024, Skinny showed some curiosity towards the lionesses but is “content observing from a distance”.

The zoo said they have no plans to introduce them but said having other lions nearby offers Skinny valuable enrichment, allowing him to engage with new sights, sounds, and scents in a stress-free environment.