Cargolux Airlines has successfully transported two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity to their new home in a nature reserve in South Africa.

This remarkable endeavour, made possible through a partnership with the Born Free Foundation, signified a monumental step forward in the global fight for wildlife conservation.

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“I’m pleased to announce that we are supporting the International Animal Protection Organisation Born Free in the Endeavor to relocate two lions rescued from Ukraine to South Africa,” Richard Forson, CEO of Cargolux Airlines shared, underscoring the airline’s commitment to this mission.

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“Two lions who lived in captivity all their lives and were relocated from Ukraine to Wild Life rescue center in Belgium in 2022 were flown from Luxembourg to Johannesburg,” Forson explained.

“From there they will have a road trip to the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary. In the protected area the lions will find settled and life-long home and natural habitat in South Africa.”

“Born Free is moving the young brothers – just three years old – ‘back’ to their ancestral homeland,” the sanctuary said in a statement. “The logistical feat of relocating lions cannot be underestimated.”

“We would like to thank the Natalya Popova and UAnimals Wild Animals Rescue Centre and Dr Ewa Zgrabczyńska of Poznań Zoo for their roles in the rescue of Tsar and Jamil; Natuurhulpcentrum (NHC) for caring for the lions for the past two years, and to Shamwari Private Nature Reserve for providing their sanctuary home. Thank you also to key partner British Airways Holidays, who will be funding three years of care for the lions, and Cargolux who are generously flying the brothers to South Africa.”