ADI veterinarian, Dr Peter Caldwell, has been checking out the lions in Kuwait has cleared them to fly. WE ARE NOW JUST HOURS AWAY FROM FLYING THE KUWAIT 6 TO THEIR NEW LIFE. Please note the schedule below, we are loading a little later than originally planned.

The six young lions, Muheeb, Saham, Shujaa, Saif, Dhubiya and Aziza are survivors of the illegal wildlife trade – lions purchased as ‘trophy pets’ just to be discarded when they were no longer wanted. The lions have been cared for at Kuwait Zoo until a home was found for them at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. Qatar Airways have donated space on a cargo flight as part of their WeQare scheme and so the ADI team will be with the lions throughout the flight. We hope to provide regular LIVE updates on Facebook throughout the lions’ incredible journey home.

Here is an APPROXIMATE Schedule of when we may be live on Facebook. IMPORTANT: TIMES MAY VARY.

Sunday 19 May

Loading the lions 03.00 (Kuwait); 01.00 (UK); 20.00, 18th May (EST) 17.00, 18 May (PST).

To Airport 04.00 (Kuwait); 02.00 (UK); 21.00 (EST) 18.00 (PST)

Preparing to leave & Loading aircraft 11.30 (Kuwait); 09.30 (UK); 04.30 (EST) 01.30 (PST)

Doha stop 15.00 (Kuwait); 13.00 (UK); 08.00 (EST); 05.00 (PST)

Arrival Johannesburg 23.55 (South Africa); 21.55 (UK); 16.55 (EST); 13.55 (PST)

Monday 20 May

Unloading & first steps on African soil 08.00 (South Africa); 06.00 (UK); 01.00 (EST); 22.00 (PST)

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.

Help look out for the Kuwait 6 lions – support their care. Donate here.

Please consider adopting one or more of the Kuwait 6 lions to help provide lifetime care for them: US store | UK store