After a lifetime in misery 33 circus lions airlifted to South African sanctuary

Dozens of lions can now freely to wander after being saved from circuses in Colombia and Peru. They were airlifted to the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa after a Herculean effort by volunteers from Animal Defenders International (ADI).

All efforts were made as part of the «Spirit of Freedom» rescue operation, initiated by ADI’s charitable group. As a result, at least 100 animals, including these lions, were rescued from terrible condition.

It took more than a year for volunteers to track down and rescue all of these animals. They collaborated with the governments of Peru and Colombia, as well as other authorities, to succeed. So 33 lions were brought to a sanctuary in Peru and then airlifted to South Africa, their homeland.

Unfortunately, most of the lions were found «living in poor conditions in cages. All their lives these helpless animals had been forced to perform tricks, and along the way they suffered severe injuries, many of which were inflicted by their owners. But thankfully, it all came to an end!

«We’re thrilled that these aminals are returning home to Africa, where they belong,» said Jan Creamer, president of ADI. It’s their birthright!»

All 33 lions were bred and brought up in captivity, so they cannot be released into the wild. But at Emoya Sanctuary, they will have the same conditions as they do in the wild.

They’ve had a long journey, but they are amazingly peaceful.»

It is so beautiful to see these majestic creatures return to their homeland after so much suffering!