Two trafficked lions, Yoda and Ysis, have been successfully repatriated to their new home in Limpopo, South Africa. This comes after years of rehabilitation in France.
Picture: Sourced
As reported by The South African, the two lions were victims of animal exploitation in Europe and were once exploited for use in music videos. They were rescued in 2020 by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation (30 Million Friends Foundation).
Thereafter, they were cared for by the Tonga Terre d’Accueil association at the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine Zoological Park.
As reported by TimesLive, genetic tests have confirmed that the two lions are siblings. Moreover, a bond has been evident between them since their rescue.
Their journey back home started with a flight from Lyon to Paris. It was followed by Air France flight 990 from Paris to Johannesburg.
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The repatriation process was fully funded by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, and the lions arrived in South Africa on the 4th of March.
They are settling into their new home at the SanWild Sanctuary Wildlife Trust after spending the past five years in care.
SanWild is located in the Limpopo province, just a few kilometres south of Leydsdorp. The 5,000ha wildlife rehabilitation centre and reserve is near the western boundary of the Kruger National Park.
Under the care of the SanWild team, the lions are set to initially live in semi-freedom. This will allow them to gradually re-adapt to their natural environment.
Wilson Tauro, country manager Southern Africa at Air France-KLM, shared the airline’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that distressed animals are afforded the opportunity to return home.
‘We are committed to transporting live animals safely and efficiently and we believe our efforts will help these lions begin a new life at SanWild Sanctuary’.
Referring to this repatriation as a proud moment for the airline, he further expressed that it reinforces South Africa’s reputation as a premier destination for wildlife rehabilitation.
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