Two rescued zoo lions have tasted freedom back in Africa
TWO rescued lions have finally tasted freedom in their native Africa.
TWO rescued lions have finally tasted freedom in their native Africa
Former zoo lion Nelson and confiscated pet Ciam set out from a rescue centre in Belgium to South Africa’s Eastern Cape on Thursday and arrived yesterday.
They will now live in safety and with plenty of space in the Shamwari Game Reserve.
Actress and Born Free Foundation co-founder Virginia McKenna accompanied them on their journey.
Nelson was rescued from a French zoo in April 2015 when it went into liquidation.
Ciam made international headlines in November 2015 when he was confiscated from a cramped cage in a garden in southern France where his owner was illegally keeping him as an exotic pet.
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Former zoo lion Nelson
Actress and Born Free Foundation co-founder Virginia McKenna accompanied them on their journey.
Virginia said: “Seeing them take their first steps into their huge natural enclosures was utterly joyful. At last they are free to live where lions belong and will be treated with the care and respect they deserve.
“How lucky I was to be there to share the moment.”
The trafficking of big cats is a huge problem.
Just yesterday six cheetah cubs died after being seized in a dramatic rescue.