At 9.07pm last night, our precious cargo of six lions rescued from the illegal wildlife trade rolled through the gates of the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. It wasn’t quite as we planned after a 25 hour delay at the airport, but they were home!!! We quietly and gently unloaded everyone in an operation lasting to midnight. Everyone was exhausted but energised by the arrival, heaved the crates into place, and one by one the young lions were released into their houses. They were tentative and intrigued, checking things out and settling into the soft teff hay bedding. All the lions had travelled alongside their family and friends, but it was still a special moment when Saif’s crate opened and Dhubiya peeked in as if to say, “glad you’re here too.”

Everyone is looking well this morning. We went live on Facebook today as the lions stepped out onto African soil for the first time. They will be in their feeding camps for two weeks and then go into their main habitats.

A massive “thank you” to everyone rooting for us during our incredible journey, to the ADI supporters who made it possible and are supporting these lions, the Kuwait Zoo and officials for providing a safe haven, Bridges from Kuwait, Qatar Airways Cargo who got us home, and Gas Boys of Virginia (who donated the truck and didn’t hesitate to keep it waiting for 15 hours at the airport to make sure we got home last night). And very special thanks to Dr. Peter Caldwell and Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic, who went above and beyond to make this happen. Peter joined us in Kuwait, oversaw the sedation and loading, and monitored the lions on the flight.

Donate today to help look out for these lions and support their care.

To adopt one or more of the Kuwait 6 and help provide their lifetime care: UK store | US store