Two trafficked lions, Yoda and Ysis, have successfully returned to South Africa after years of rehabilitation in France.
Rescued in 2020 by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation (30 Million Friends Foundation) from exploitation in Europe, the lions were initially used for music video shoots. They were later cared for at the Tonga Terre d’Accueil refuge within the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine Zoological Park.
Genetic tests confirmed that Yoda and Ysis are siblings, a bond that has been evident since their rescue.
Their repatriation journey began with a flight from Lyon to Paris, followed by an Air France flight from Paris to Johannesburg. Fully funded by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, the lions arrived in South Africa on March 4 and are now settling into the SanWild Sanctuary Wildlife Trust in Limpopo.
SanWild, a 5,000-hectare wildlife rehabilitation centre near the Kruger National Park, will be their new home. Air France-KLM played a crucial role in the safe transportation of the lions.
Wilson Tauro, Air France-KLM’s country manager for Southern Africa, expressed pride in the airline’s involvement in ensuring the safe return of the lions. He highlighted that this repatriation reinforces South Africa’s status as a leading destination for wildlife rehabilitation.
At the SanWild Sanctuary, Yoda and Ysis will live in semi-freedom as part of The Roar Project, led by Alexandre Blanchon, to help them gradually readapt to their natural environment.
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Published Originally on:Sowetan Live