Lioness Elsa, Seized from MMA Fighter Vémola, Makes First Public Appearance at Liberec Zoo

Elsa, the lioness confiscated from MMA fighter Patrik Vémola over the illegal keeping of a wild predator, is now on display to visitors at Liberec Zoo. According to the zoo's press office, the animal spent a month in quarantine and can now roam freely in an outdoor enclosure complete with a small pool.

The door to Elsa's shelter is left open at all times — it's up to her whether she wants to be seen by visitors. "She's used to people and isn't shy around them, but she's still adjusting to her new surroundings, so sometimes she prefers to stay hidden," said zoo spokesperson Barbara Tesařová.

Zoo staff are now working to get the lioness into better physical shape, as she is currently overweight. However, staff stress this isn't down to neglect by her previous owner or by the zoo itself: the cause was hormonal contraception she had been given in the past. Animal care and nutrition specialists are gradually bringing Elsa back to a healthy weight.

The predator pavilion remains closed to the general public for now, as work continues in preparation for the lioness's eventual move elsewhere. Liberec Zoo is only providing Elsa with temporary shelter. "She'll stay with us until the Ministry of the Environment finds her a permanent home. She won't be staying in Liberec for good," Tesařová explained.

Veterinarians and representatives of the Ministry of the Environment seized the lioness Elsa from MMA fighter Vémola back in June. The fighter had been keeping the animal at his home in the village of Mšecké, but was unable to produce documents proving the lioness had been legally acquired, prompting the state to confiscate her. A tigress he had also been keeping met the same fate earlier.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz