Roaring for Freedom: Protest Calls for Urgent Action on Lions and Panther in Naxxar

A compassionate and determined crowd gathered yesterday in front of the Veterinary Regulation Directorate (VRD) offices to demand justice for the lions and panther being kept in appalling conditions in Naxxar. Despite three months having passed since the issue came to light, the authorities continue to delay action—circling around excuses rather than offering real solutions to relocate these animals to sanctuaries abroad.

A number of animal rights activists and organisations took to the mic to express their outrage and frustration at the situation, calling for immediate and decisive action.

Althea Galea, from Vuċi għall-Annimali, opened the protest by explaining how the lions were discovered back in December and how the case unfolded. “Unfortunately, in this country, enforcement is a joke,” she said. “VRD told us they might leave the lions where they are and simply make the place ‘adequate’—rather than setting a strong example that animal abuse won’t be tolerated. This is disgraceful.”

Moira Delia, local TV host and long-time animal activist, stressed that such animals should never have been allowed into Malta in the first place. “No one on this island has the expertise to care for these wild animals, especially if an emergency arises,” she warned. “The Ministry is not composed of animal lovers—they’re not willing to do what’s needed.”

Joanna Mallia, founder of Paws4Cause, expressed deep concern over the lack of veterinary expertise. “These are dangerous animals. If even one were to require medical attention or, worse, escape, the consequences could be devastating,” she said.

Tanya Fontebasso, of Animal Liberation Malta, highlighted the emotional and physical suffering these animals endure. “They will never know freedom as nature intended. But we can give them a better life by sending them to sanctuaries abroad.”

Mark Sultana, CEO of BirdLife Malta, addressed the systemic injustice. “These animals are being treated as property, not as sentient beings. Their welfare should come first—legal proceedings should follow later, not the other way around.”

International solidarity was also present. Kelly Rose Moncado, of Uniti per Salvarli (Italy), attended the protest to show support. “This is unacceptable. A solution must be found now,” she urged. “VRD—WAKE UP AND DO YOUR JOB!”

Enrico Rizzi, a prominent Italian activist, also joined from Italy, sharing his frustration: “These animals are still trapped while authorities do nothing. I intend to raise this matter at the Brussels Parliament.”

Kris, from Vuċi Kollettiva, echoed the crowd’s frustration and emphasized that the situation has gone on for too long, stating that “animal welfare must be taken seriously—now.”

Darryl Grima, vegan activist and founder of Vuċi għall-Annimali, shared details from a recent meeting with VRD. “This department operates with just two vets for all of Malta’s animal welfare issues. How can we expect proper action under these conditions?” He thanked the supporters and reaffirmed the movement’s commitment: “We will find a solution—for these animals and all others suffering in silence.”

The protest ended on a powerful note as 7-year-old Tyler Pace passionately shouted into the microphone, “Free the lions!” The crowd enthusiastically joined in, chanting in unison—proof that compassion knows no age.

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This protest was led by Vuċi għall-Annimali in collaboration with Enrico Rizzi and Uniti Per Salvarli, with the support of the following organisations:

 • Animal Alliance

 • Animal Liberation Malta

 • Association for Abandoned Animals

 • CSAF

 • BirdLife Malta

 • Buddy’s Lost and Found Page

 • FAA

 • Fostering and Homing Paws

 • Gozo SPCA

 • Help Us Help

 • Innocent Paws

 • Island Sanctuary

 • Kitty Guardians

 • Moviment Graffitti

 • MSPCA

 • Noah’s Ark

 • Our Rescues Foundation

 • Paws4Cause

 • RAR

 • Second Chance Horse Rescue

 • Thomasina