The young lioness enjoyed a refreshing ice ball today as preparations continue for her incredible journey from Kuwait to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS), South Africa on Sunday (May 19).

A victim of the illegal lion pet trade, Dhubiya was left to die in the desert outside Kuwait City – either dumped by a trafficker or an owner no longer wanting a lion as a status symbol ‘pet’. She was found starving and dehydrated and nursed back to health at Kuwait Zoo. The horrific ordeal did not dim Dhubiya’s spirit and now this incredibly playful lioness is heading home to Africa with five other lions. Known as the Kuwait 6, they were all rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and have their whole lives ahead of them, up to 20 years in their natural world. Can you help with their lifetime care? You can also adopt Dhubiya and her friends.

ADI will be going live at key stages during the rescue mission which will see an ADI team accompany the six lions on a cargo flight (donated by Qatar Airways WeQare program) leaving Kuwait on Sunday. The lions are expected to step out of their travel crates onto African soil on Monday 20th. Watch out for our schedule in the coming days.

A huge thank you to the ADI supporters backing the rescue, the Kuwait Zoo for providing a safe haven for the lions, the Kuwait authorities working to end the illegal wildlife trade, Tarra Provident of Bridges for Kuwait, and Qatar Airways.

Just days to go. Let’s get the Kuwait 6 home.

To help support the care of the Kuwait 6, please consider donating here:
Donate US$ / CA$ | Donate £ / Euros / Rand

To support this rescue and provide lifetime care for the Kuwait 6: Adopt from US store | Adopt from UK store