It’s here in the South Africa’s Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary, where Simba and thirty two other lions have found their new home.
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But more importantly, the passage to South Africa, dubbed Operation Spirit of Freedom, represents a new beginning for lions who had been languishing in circus cages for years, their lives seemingly forfeit to profit.
Animal Defenders International is working to fly the lions back and help with the rescue of almost 70 other animals as well.
The ADI, which was behind the biggest of its kind operation, says nearly all the lions have had teeth or claws removed at the circuses.
Creamer said that all the lions were scarred from the mistreatment they had received and that they were rescued in order to return them to their natural habitat.
The lions were freed after the use of wild animals in circuses was outlawed in the countries. “I believe we have brought them back to paradise, where they belong”.
Thankfully, these animals have been relocated to the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary, where they are finally going to get the care they deserve.
The lions’ flight from South America to South Africa will cost roughly $10,000 per cat, raised through donations and online fundraising.
“We want people to understand that it’s not right to use animals for entertainment because they suffer, and they have a life that is awful and desperate”, she said.
Most of the lions were taken from circuses in surprise raids and were moved to Africa in what’s thought to be the biggest airlift of its kind.
All of the lions rescued were born in captivity, but they are being released on a large preserve where they can live in their natural environment.
33 lions arrived in Johannesburg’s International Airport on Saturday after their rescue from circuses in Colombia and Peru.
“ZEUS: Zeus may look a little grumpy but he’s actually a lovely lion, and so serene – until cleaning time that is, when he tries to bite the water jets!” They will then be introduced to each other in a one hectare bonding enclosure.
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The enclosures will be fitted with drinking pools, platforms and toys to ensure the lions don’t become bored and will be steadily expanded as they become familiar with their new life, Heuser said.
