Circus Lions Finally Return Home To Africa After A Lifetime Of Sadness

Apr 21, 2020 by apost team

Nothing speaks of wild majesty like the regal lion. Strong, smart, and fast, they deserve to be racing across the plains of their native Africa.

But many lions don’t have that ideal life. They live brutal lives with small circuses in South America, enduring cramped cages, malnourishment, and physical mistreatment. But for 33 lucky lions, their lives changed thanks to the intervention of caring humans around the globe.

In the largest lion lift of that time, these great cats were rescued from their abusers and returned to a caring sanctuary in Africa. Animal Defenders International approached the governments of Peru and Colombia in order to help enforce laws that prohibited wild animals from being used and abused in small circuses. It’s difficult for the governments to enforce, so the Animal Defenders stepped in.

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All of the lions were in rough shape. Plagued by health problems and long years of mistreatment, they desperately needed help. One was missing an eye; another was blind. Some had been declawed, and others had broken teeth.

They needed love, medical care, and a safe place to live that gave them room to roam, so were moved to a big cat sanctuary in South Africa.

But it’s expensive to transport 33 lions almost 230,000 miles. Here the internet and the world came through. A crowdfunding campaign raised the funds, including generous donations from Bob Barker’s DJ&T Foundation.

All the lions were flown in one big plane with special crates for international travel. According to the LA Times, rather than sedate them, experts decided it would be best to seat the cats near other family members and ‘friends’ on the trip to ease the cats’ anxiety. After picking up the first nine lions in Bogota, Colombia, the flight continued to Bolivia to gather the remaining 25 lions.

A special team traveled with the lions in the huge McDonnell-Douglas MD-11 cargo plane. They monitored their progress and helped settle them in their new home. At the private sanctuary, six lions and two tigers awaited the new arrivals. Despite the large number of cats arriving at once, there would be plenty of room for everyone. Here the lions will receive medical care, proper food, room to roam, and the ability to rest and relax in their natural habitat.

After years of abuse and misery, these noble animals have finally found a forever home where they can be safe and loved, thanks to ADI, the governments of Colombia and Bolivia, and all the crowdfunding supporters.

These lions really can live happily ever after. Share this uplifting tale of survival with anyone who likes to see a happy ending.