Rescued circus lions returned to South Africa

Over 30 circus lions from Colombia and Peru have been flown to a sanctuary in South Africa.

In the largest lion lift ever, an airplane was chartered for the rescued lions who were found in poor conditions.

The repatriation of the lions was arranged by non-profit organisation Animal Defenders International.

The pack of big cats will now call Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary home as they cannot be released to the wild. As circus performers, the animals had been de-clawed by their handlers.

This efforts are a result of investigations by ADI into animal abuse in Latin America’s circuses.

Thirty-two countries around the world have nationwide restrictions on performing animals in travelling circuses.