Tuesday 3 May 2016

SOUTH AFRICA: 33 Lions Roar Into South Africa

It was the last time the 33 lions rescued by British charity Animal Defenders International (ADI) would be caged. But this time, the cages brought them to freedom - they are now finally in the 'Motherland', South Africa.

The roaring of lions echoed through OR Tambo international airport on Saturday when they arrived. ADI President Jan Creamer said, "The lions appeared healthy, but a little distressed by the long journey".

The lions' gruelling flight journey from South America was delayed in Brazil, and their arrival postponed with more than six hours. But despite the hold-ups, the lions arrived at their new home, Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in Limpopo, just after midnight on Worker's Day, 1 May 2016.

"Spirit of Freedom Flight touched down in Johannesburg around 18:00 on Saturday, 30 April", where after the lions were trucked to the 5 000 hectare Big Cat Sanctuary and released.

The lions were originally expected to land at OR Tambo International Airport at 13:30 on Saturday.

The lions have come a long way from their life as abused, broken, circus cats to find freedom in SA.

Their previous caged lives would now hopefully be a distant memory as they live out their days in Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary.

Creamer said "These lions have endured hell on earth and now they are heading home to paradise. This is the environment for which these animals were intended. It is the perfect ending to ADI’s Spirit of Freedom mission which has eliminated circus suffering in another country.”

The Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary was opened by Savannah Heuser in 2012 when she was just 16 years old. The sanctuary has a no breeding policy and is not open to the public.

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