War lions find sanctuary in SA
AFTER over half a year of rehabilitation in Jordan, former war lions Simba and Saeed were ready for their final journey to South Africa.
International animal welfare organisation Four Paws relocated the lions to South Africa on Monday.
The two male lions, rescued from Iraq and Syria, will find peace and refuge in the 1 250-hectare big cat sanctuary Lionsrock in Bethlehem, Free State.
The 33-hour transfer took place by passenger planes and truck after the lions spent months in intensive care at the Jordanian wildlife rescue centre Al Ma’wa for Nature and Wildlife.
In the big cat sanctuary close to Johannesburg, Four Paws plans to socialise Simba and Saeed with other rescued lions.
The two lions have endured a lot of suffering in their young lives.
Four Paws big cat expert Barbara van Genne said: “Simba and Saeed had a difficult start to life, but thanks to the tireless efforts of the animal caretakers and vets involved, the health of the two lions has improved enormously.
“They are now ready to begin a new chapter at our big cat sanctuary. We will immediately begin our socialisation project for both lions.”
Simba, believed to be about four years old, was born in the Montazah Al-Morour Zoo in the eastern part of Mosul during the ongoing war in Iraq, while 2-year-old Saeed was also born in captivity during the war.