Eleven lions have been successfully evacuated from Ukraine in what is being called the largest warzone rescue of its kind.
These majestic animals are being relocated to sanctuaries in the United States and South Africa, providing a safer and more natural environment.
After taking off from Romania, the lions, seven adults, and two cubs travel on a Boeing Dreamliner.
Their new homes include Colorado’s Wild Animal Sanctuary in the US and the Simbonga Game Reserve and Sanctuary in South Africa.
The big cats had been staying in temporary shelters for months as the complex rescue mission, organized by two animal welfare groups, was carefully coordinated.
Once the lions arrive in Doha, Qatar, the group will be split, with the majority heading to the US and two—Simba and Mir—continuing their journey to South Africa.
Leading the rescue efforts are Lionel De Lange, founder of Warriors of Wildlife, and his partner, Reon Human.
De Lange shared his gratitude for the successful operation: “There’s never been a rescue of this scale from a warzone involving so many lions, and we’re incredibly grateful to have reached this point.”
He also appreciated the international cooperation that made the operation possible, with governments fast-tracking travel permits in just four months.
De Lange and Human encountered a challenge when securing emergency travel permits at the Hungarian border, as South Africa lacks an embassy in Romania.
After 30 sleepless hours, they returned to Bucharest with the necessary documents, allowing the lions to be safely boarded for their flight.
Nine pride had previously lived in Odessa, a southern Ukrainian port city, and were transported to Romania on May 24.
The journey, organized by a 13-member team that included representatives from Breaking the Chains, a UK-based animal rescue group, required sedating the lions and transporting them in crates across over 600 miles through Ukraine and Moldova to reach Targu Mures, Romania.
Two other lions, Simba and Mia, had been in Romania since being relocated from eastern Ukraine. Russian forces threatened their previous home during the early stages of the invasion.
These lions were rescued by British volunteers Tim Locks and Jonathan Weaving and are now heading to more natural habitats.
De Lange emphasized the transformative experience awaiting the lions at his sanctuary in South Africa. “Their new home will be a sanctuary in the true sense,” he explained, highlighting the grassy enclosures and absence of traditional bars, replaced by electric fencing.
This rescue represents a significant achievement for animal welfare in war-torn areas, offering the lions a chance at a peaceful life in their new sanctuaries.
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