Author: animaldefendersinternational

Lions cleared to fly

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Dr. Peter Caldwell checks out Muheeb

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.

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Kuwait lions fly this weekend!

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Liftoff for the Kuwait 6 is almost upon us and we have been preparing all week in Kuwait.

Our veterinarian Dr. Peter Caldwell has arrived and checked the lions; we are ready to begin loading them into their travel crates at 2am on Sunday (May 19). They will be sedated, loaded, brought around again, checked, and driven to the airport. Our Qatar Airways Cargo aircraft (donated as part of their WeQare program) takes off at 1pm.

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Dhubiya stays cool ahead of journey of a lifetime

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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.

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Horse rescue!

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Meet the newest arrivals to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. When the SPCA found three horses hobbled and in poor condition in a street in a South African township, they asked if ADI would help. Of course we, said “yes” and started work on a paddock to receive the animals, which will eventually be free-ranging on the 455 acre sanctuary. Meanwhile another horse, called Sammy, was rescued and was forming a bond with the family of horses. Watch and see what happened next….

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Dhubiya is counting down to lift off

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In 8 days, playful Dhubiya, a young lioness discarded by the cruel and illegal trade in pet lions, will be heading to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa.

In a blow against the keeping of big cats as status symbol pets, six lions (Dhubiya, Saif, Muheeb, Aziza, Shujaa and Saham) will be taking off for Africa on May 19, and will reach the sanctuary on Monday, 20th. The #Kuwait6 were rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade after being either abandoned, surrendered, or confiscated. The animals are being cared for by volunteers and staff at Kuwait Zoo and are working with ADI to give them a new life.

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Saif is counting down to his homecoming – May 20

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We can’t wait to see Saif, the youngest of the Kuwait 6 lions, run in the wide-open space at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. He will certainly catch the attention of his soon-to-be neighbors Simba and Rey and Max and Stripes. Ruben will be watching over them.

Saif and the other five lions – Dhubiya, Muheeb, Saham, Shujaa, and Aziza – were rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade in the Middle East – a trade fueled by people seeking a status symbol. Although they have an outside run in the Kuwait zoo, where they are being cared for until we can relocate them, they will love the natural, wild space in their new home.

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The face of resilience

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Kiara, the matriarch of the Cusco pride, has endured a lot. These days, she enjoys a peaceful life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa.

In 2014, her family was torn apart by a circus in Peru who used her cubs as photo props. In two raids, ADI saved the animals and in an unforgettable moment, reunited Kiara with her cubs Scarc and Mahla.

Now Kiara is happy and content in Tohir Habitat, which she shares with her now grown kids.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Will you support the care of Kiara, who is now 16 years old, and help her continue to enjoy many blissful years with her family? Donate here

Shop Mother’s Day gifts, which help support the care of Kiara and her family.

Happy World Donkey Day

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Today we celebrate our beloved donkeys at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, rescued after being left behind at an abandoned holiday lodge in South Africa. Two of the six donkeys were pregnant when they arrived and so babies Nugget and Eeyore joined us too. The peaceful herd roams all over the 455 acre sanctuary.

Please also spare a thought for the donkeys that are not so lucky – used and abused as beasts of burden globally for centuries due to their stoic nature. Some break down through sheer overwork and neglect. So let’s celebrate these beautiful, inquisitive animal and work for a better world for them.

Help care for our donkey family and other rescued domestic animals. Donate here

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Kesari’s world

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Kesari surveys his land at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Currently, the only South African-born lion at the sanctuary, majestic Kesari avoided being put up for auction and becoming a target for a trophy hunter, instead coming to ADIWS. Safe, at peace, and free to just be. He lives in Joan & Geoff Phillips Habitat and is friends with neighbors Chino and Coco on one side, and Simba and ReyA on the other. He has a mighty roar, and Ruben used to roar back at him.

As South Africa gears up to ending lion farming, we hope you will help us save others from the canned hunting industry.