The story in 20 pictures. It began on Sunday 2 August shortly after midday, as the young lions walked into the travel crates that would carry them on a two-day journey of a lifetime from Israel to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa.
It was a complicated route due to the scarcity of flights out of Tel Aviv due to the conflict, flying first south to Cairo then north to Germany, then after a 12-hour stopover finally flying to Johannesburg. Our team was exhausted, the lions were glad to get out of their crates, but it was all worth it as they took their first steps on African soil and became kings of all they survey.
Ori sitting pretty at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. 
BenTzur picks his lips at what the future might hold. 
BenTzur in his travel crate begins his journey from Israel. 
Checking the lions in the cargo section of Tel Aviv airport. 
ADI’s Jan and Tim give the lions water during the flight. 
Ori in his travel crate during the journey. 
ADI’s Jan give the lions some treats with tongs during the journey. 
The lions on the left just before they board the final flight from Frankfurt Airport. 
ADI’s Karen checks the lions on arrival in South Africa. 
Welcome to your new home. The ADI vehicles carrying the lions enter the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. 
About to make a giant step: the lions prepare to enter their main 2.5 acre habitat. This is the life. The young lions step into a whole new world. 
Ori comes out of one of the many dens in the habitat. 
Ori on the move as the lions mapped out their new territory. 
BenTzur plays with a robust-a-ball. 
Ori leads BenTzur as they patrol. 
BenTzur plays with a cardboard box. 
Bonding time: ADI’s Johannes spending time with the lions to build their confidence and gain their trust. The boys are already coming to sit with him. 
Kings of the castle. BenTzur and Ori enjoy the views from one of several platform dens in their habitat. This picture was taken this morning and shows just how much they have settled in just four days.
Confiscated from people illegally keeping them as pets by Israel’s Nature & Parks Authority over a year ago, it had been a long wait for BenTzur and Ori, but now they are home.
Help us care for them for the next 20 years: UK £, Euros, Rand | US $, CA $
ADI Wildlife Sanctuary 