Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo has transported two rescued lions from animal welfare organisations FOUR PAWS FELIDA in the Netherlands to LIONSROCK big cat sanctuary in South Africa.
Lioness Vasylyna was rescued in a Ukrainian village near Kharkiv after escaping a life of domestic captivity. Nikola was rescued from illegal private possession in Montenegro. Both lions were individually found roaming the streets before being captured by authorities and transported to FELIDA.
“The relocation of Vasylyna and Nikola to Lionsrock means they finally have the opportunity to live in a large sanctuary, surrounded by other lions. While it’s saddening that they never had the chance to be released into the wild due to illegal trade, we are glad to offer them a more natural life here,” said Petra Sleven, director of Four Paws, an animal welfare organisation.
Lionsrock, a 1 250-hectare sanctuary, brings wild animals rescued from direct human influence to spaces where they can embrace their natural habitat despite the fact that they cannot be released into the wild.
