Over the course of 18 months, dozens of lions were found all throughout illegal circuses who kept them all captive. These lions were not only caged, but mistreated, malnourished, and were given no freedom to roam at any point in their lives. Years passed, and these lions continued to live in misery, until Animal Defenders International stepped in. They went from circus to circus, claiming the freedom for each of the lion's behalf. One by one, they brought the lion's out from the darkness, and into natural sunlight, some of them for the first time ever.
Setting these lions free was no easy task, but the effort was worth it. Animal Defenders International did everything it took to get all 33 of these lions to the nourishing, free environment of Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. Since many of these animals did not have all of their teeth, and some of them without their claws, it was impossible for them to hunt and care for themselves. The sanctuary was the perfect place for them to be fed and cared for while still being able to roam the way lions should. These lions were also put together in order to build their families once again.
A beautiful chance to start life fresh was given as a gift to these lions. Watch the way they react to their new environment, it is something truly incredible.
Setting these lions free was no easy task, but the effort was worth it. Animal Defenders International did everything it took to get all 33 of these lions to the nourishing, free environment of Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. Since many of these animals did not have all of their teeth, and some of them without their claws, it was impossible for them to hunt and care for themselves. The sanctuary was the perfect place for them to be fed and cared for while still being able to roam the way lions should. These lions were also put together in order to build their families once again.
A beautiful chance to start life fresh was given as a gift to these lions. Watch the way they react to their new environment, it is something truly incredible.