Their hearts swelled with joy at the sight of their newfound sanctuary ❤️ When a group of lions, once kept as pets, found themselves abandoned on the streets of Kuwait and scattered across the nearby desert, the urgency of their plight spurred the compassionate response of Kuwait Zoo staff. Alerted to their distress, Animal Defenders International (ADI) swiftly intervened.
“Lions should never be subjected to captivity; they belong in the wild,” emphasized Jan Creamer, president of ADI, in a press statement. Recognizing the urgency of the lions’ situation, ADI orchestrated a rescue operation to provide them with a new lease on life.
Dubbed the “Kuwait 6” by their rescuers, the lions were offered sanctuary at the expansive 455-acre ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. With meticulous planning and the generous support of Qatar Airways Cargo, ADI coordinated a safe and comfortable flight to transport the lions to their eagerly awaited new home.
“Coordinating the relocation of such majestic creatures demands extensive planning and logistical prowess,” remarked Mark Drusch, chief cargo officer at Qatar Airways Cargo, in a press statement. “Yet, it’s a mission we undertake with immense pride and dedication, knowing that we’re contributing to the welfare of these magnificent animals.”
During the flight, the lions received constant attention from a dedicated veterinarian and were tended to by the caring ADI team, with Jan Creamer at the forefront. Their journey was meticulously overseen until they safely touched down in South Africa, where they could finally begin to acclimate to their new surroundings and settle into their long-awaited sanctuary.
Muheeb, Saham, Shujaa, Saif, Dhubiya, and Aziza, the brave souls of the Kuwait 6, initially found themselves in quarantine enclosures upon arrival — yet even in this temporary confinement, the expressions on their faces conveyed a profound sense of anticipation and hope. It was as though they instinctively sensed the transformative journey awaiting them, recognizing that brighter days lay ahead in their new, enriched lives.
Now, the Kuwait 6 revel in the simple pleasures of life, delighting in basking under the warm embrace of the sun and frolicking with catnip punch bags and oversized balls. Freed from the constraints of their past, they finally have the space and freedom to express their true selves. Their exuberant joy radiates palpably, a testament to the profound transformation they’ve undergone since finding sanctuary in their new home.
“Witnessing these lions revel in play as they embark on their fresh journey at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary is truly enchanting,” remarked Creamer. “We eagerly anticipate watching them gradually acquaint themselves with their expansive habitats. Yet, it’s also a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against wildlife trafficking and the urgent need to end the suffering of countless others like them.”
ADI takes immense pride in providing these lions with a permanent haven, but their mission extends beyond sanctuary care. They remain steadfastly committed to preventing wild animals from falling victim to the pet trade, thereby mitigating the need for their intervention in the first place.
“The Kuwait 6 lions have a future filled with possibility ahead of them, with vast acres of space to roam at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary,” Creamer emphasized. “The generous support from ADI supporters, funding their care and facilitating this rescue, is nothing short of granting these lions a second chance at the life they were deprived of. While this marks a triumphant moment for these lions, it also serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive cruelty and irresponsibility inherent in the exotic pet trade.”