Two African lions from a big cat sanctuary in the Netherlands have been moved to South Africa “to offer them a more natural life,” writes the Stat Times.
Lions Vasylyna and Nikola were being cared for at Felida in Friesland, the Netherlands. On Thursday, the pair were relocated to LionsRock in South Africa – an expansive 1250-hectare big cat sanctuary.
Felida is a specialised sanctuary for big cats, operated by animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS.
The lions were handed over to FOUR PAWS South Africa, who will care for the felines at LionsRock.
In March, another captive African lion from the Netherlands was moved to South Africa. Remy had been cared for at the Stichting Leeuw foundation in Noord Holland, since being abandoned as a cub.
Remy was accompanied on his journey by his mate Luna, who was brought to the Stichting Leeuw foundation from Slovakia in 2021.
Rescuing lions from war
Vasylyna’s and Nikola’s move follows the transfer of 11 African lions to LionsRock in February after the evacuation of 48 wild animals from Sudan’s conflict zone in Khartoum.
“The lions spent nine months surrounded by the tragedies of war,” Deidré Daniels, PR Officer at FOUR PAWS said at the time.
“They are traumatised, weak, emaciated, and prone to injury. They have responded positively to the treatment and care they received in the last weeks.”
In another rescue, two captive African lions in war-torn Ukraine were safely relocated to their “ancestral home”.
Three-year-old lion brothers Tsar and Jamil arrived at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape in March. This thanks to an effort led by the international wildlife charity Born Free.
Customised cat carrier
Vasylyna and Nikola embarked on their journey aboard a specialised Air France KLM Martinair Cargo freighter plane.
The pair boarded on Thursday from a dedicated ‘animal hotel’ at Schiphol airport.
“We prioritise providing the best care for our animal passengers,” said Mirjam Scherer, Global Head of Specials Logistics at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo.
“We ensure the highest level of attention for every animal under our care, from the moment of arrival to departure.”
“Our team of seasoned professionals is ready to deliver the best service and care. This includes special diets, administering medication, and, of course, plenty of love and attention.”
Petra Sleven, director at FOUR PAWS added that the relocation of Vasylyna and Nikola to LionsRock means the feline pair finally have the opportunity to live in a large sanctuary, surrounded by other lions.
“It’s saddening that they never had the chance to be released into the wild due to illegal trade,” he said.
“We are glad to offer them a more natural life here.”
