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.

BenTzur and Ori’s incredible journey and their first steps on African soil at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.

Johannes and Lefaso from the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa feed newly arrived young lions BenTzur and Ori last night.

BenTzur and Ori, two young lions rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in Israel, have just spent two days in travel crates crossing the world to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa – a journey that saw us stop in Cairo, Egypt, then a 10+hour stopover in Frankfurt, Germany, before an overnight flight to Johannesburg.

This morning BenTzur and Ori were released into their habitat at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.

BenTzur and Ori have completed their journey home to sanctuary!

Tomorrow, the young lions rescued from the illegal wildlife trade by Israel’s Nature & Parks Authority will begin their journey to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa.

Last week Tomas quietly watched as brother Kimba was loaded into a travel crate at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa and taken to hospital. This week Kimba returned and the boys bumped heads, rolled and cuddled before heading side by side, deep into their large, natural habitat.

On Sunday, BenTzur and Ori will begin their journey from Israel to a new life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa.

Last night, Kimba arrived back at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary after a stay at Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic.  He was quietly moved into one of the rooms in the house he shares with Tomas, who was in the next room.