Rescued circus lions airlifted to South Africa
A group of rescued circus lions is adjusting to new-found freedom after the largest ever airlift of lions, from Peru and Colombia to their new home in a South African wildlife sanctuary.
A total of 33 former circus lions born in captivity, 22 males and 11 females from Peru and Colombia, were brought to South Africa to live out their lives on a private reserve in the Limpopo Province. The trip was organized by the animal rights group Animal Defenders International.
Here, a crate carrying one of the lions rescued is lifted onto the back of a lorry before being transported to a private reserve on April 30, 2016 in Johannesburg.
Circus lions airlifted
Twenty four of the animals were rescued in raids on circuses operating in Peru, with the rest voluntarily surrendered by a circus in Colombia after the country's congress passed a bill prohibiting circuses from using wild animals.
African lions born in captivity in Peru rest in cages in a containment area in Puente Piedra, outside of Lima, prior to being airlifted to Johannesburg by Animal Defenders International. Their destination is the natural African bush at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa.
Circus lions airlifted
A crate carrying one of the 33 Lions rescued from circuses in Peru and Columbia is lifted onto the back of a lorry before being transported to a private reserve on April 30, 2016 in Johannesburg.
Tim Phillips, together with his wife, Jan Creamer, heads up the U.K. and Los Angeles-based group, Animal Defenders International, which rescued the lions and organized for them to be airlifted back into their natural habitat.
Circus lions airlifted
People watch as a crate carrying one of the 33 lions is lifted onto the back of a lorry before being transported to a private reserve on April 30, 2016 in Johannesburg.
Circus lions airlifted
An African lion born in captivity, one of many kept in circuses in South America, arrives at the OR Tambo International Airport on April 30, 2016 in Johannesburg.
Colombia and Peru banned the use of wild animals in circuses, facilitating the rescue.
Circus lions airlifted
Workers transport cages with African lions upon arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport on April 30, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Nine of the lions traveled four days in crates from Colombia where they were joined by another 24 in Lima, Peru. Peruvian crews worked through the night to prepare the lions for transportation back to their homeland.
Circus lions airlifted
One of the 33 Lions is moved for release into its new enclosure at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 1, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa. The lions had to edure a six-hour drive to the sanctuary from the airport after their trans-Atlantic flight.
The lions will live out their lives on the private reserve in the Limpopo Province.
Circus lions airlifted
The 33 lions arrive at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 1, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.
The lions will live out their lives on the private reserve in the Limpopo Province.
Circus lions airlifted
An African lion is seen in its cage upon their arrival as workers prepare to release them at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 1, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.
Circus lions airlifted
One of the lions is moved to be readied for release into its new enclosure at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 1, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.
Circus lions airlifted
Animal Defenders International worker Yani Mateus gives one of the lions water ahead of its release into a new enclosure at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 1, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.
Circus lions airlifted
A newly arrived African lion walks along the fence of an enclosure as lions, that were bred in captivity and held in circuses in South America, are prepared to be released at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 1, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.
The animals have been released into small open areas with natural vegetation, something that many of the animals have never experienced before.
Circus lions airlifted
Animal Defenders International worker Yani Mateus stands besides the cage of one of the lions ahead of its release into its new enclosure at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 1, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.
Circus lions airlifted to South Africa
A former circus lion is released into an enclosure at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in Vaalwater, South Africa, Sunday, May 1, 2016.
Circus lions airlifted
A newly arrived African lion is seen behind the fence of an enclosure at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 1, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.
The lions, born in captivity, will never be able to catch their own game, as many have fractured teeth and missing claws. They will at least live out the rest of the natural lives in the land that should have been their home.
Circus lions airlifted
One of the 33 lions enjoys his new enclosure and his first taste of freedom at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 1, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.
Circus lions airlifted
Newly arrived African lions play in an enclosure at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 1, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.
Circus lion in South Africa
A former circus lion scratches its head against a tree inside an enclosure at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in Vaalwater, northern, South Africa, Sunday, May 1, 2016.
Circus lions airlifted
One of the lions enjoys his new enclosure at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 01, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.
According to Tim Phillips of Animal Defenders International, until the airlift, "they lived a cruel, caged existence -- often starved, beaten and abused."
Circus lions airlifted
Two lions squabble through the fence of their new enclosure at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 1, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.
Circus lions airlifted
Two of the lions enjoy their new enclosure at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary on May 01, 2016 in Vaalwater, South Africa.