ADI rescued 30 lions from Peru and Colombia
More than 30 lions rescued from circuses in Colombia and
Peru have been flown to South Africa to start a new life in a sanctuary.
Reporters said they appeared healthy but a little distressed
after their long journey.
A circus surrendered some of the lions, while others were
taken in raids.
The US-based group Animal Defenders International (ADI),
which was behind the action, says almost all the lions have had teeth or claws
removed.
They would not survive in the wild.
The lions are being transferred by land to the Emoya Big Cat
Sanctuary, a 5,000-hectare reserve in northern South Africa. There, the lions
will have drinking pools, platforms, toys and veterinary care.
Image copyright Getty Images
"This is a hugely important rescue mission because it
does make a statement around the world about the way people treat
animals," ADI spokeswoman Jan Creamer said.
"These lions have suffered tremendously."
The first group of nine lions was collected in Colombia's
capital Bogota on a cargo plane, which then flew to Peru's capital Lima to pick
up 24 more animals.
"It will be hugely satisfying to see these lions
walking into the African Bush," ADI Vice-President Tom Phillips was quoted
as saying by the Associated Press news agency.
The lions were freed after the use of wild animals was
banned in Peru in 2011 and Colombia in 2013.
The 5,000-hectare (12,355 acres) Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary is
on private land and already houses six other rescued lions and two tigers.
The lion habitats there would be steadily expanded over the
coming months as the lions became familiar with their new life and were
introduced to each other, said ADI.
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