Flying to freedom
Cargolux has flown two three-year-old lion brothers to South Africa. Rescued by Born Free, like the 57 lions saved over the last 40 years, they are about to begin a new life in the international wildlife charity's big cat sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
Born into captivity in a Ukrainian zoo, the tiny cubs were sold to a farm where they were exploited as a "tourist attraction". Kept in utterly unsuitable conditions and suffering from malnutrition, the felines became ill. When Russia invaded Ukraine, they had just been handed over to a wildlife rescue centre in Kyiv.
Since March 2022, the siblings have been cared for in Belgium. Now, they took the flight from Luxembourg to Johannesburg, followed by 1,000 km on the road.
Richard Forson, Cargolux president & CEO: "Cargolux is a strong advocate for animal welfare, and supporting projects such as this one reflects our commitment to the cause." (ah)