They endured a decade in a tiny circus cage in France. Now they are heading to the land of their ancestors at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa.

The lions were seized following an investigation by Free Life Association and taken to Tonga Terre d’Accueil near Lyon where we loaded hem on the evening of Monday 19 May. They were driven overnight to Paris ready for a cargo flight at 4.55pm on Tuesday (May 20). Once again, Qatar Airways stepped in donating the journey. An ADI team accompanied the lions.

WATCH THEIR JOURNEY

Monday 19 May – Loading the lions:

Tuesday 20 May – Arriving in Paris:

Tuesday 20 May – Airport update:

Tuesday 20 May – Take-off

Tuesday 20 May – landing in Doha

Wednesday 21 May – Depart Doha

Wednesday 21 May – Arrive Johannesburg

Wednesday 21 May – Journey to Sanctuary from Johannesburg airport

Wednesday 21 May – arrival at the Sanctuary

Thursday 22 May – Coralie and Goliath step out at the Sanctuary