© All photos in today's article are credited to Tonga Terre d’Accueil.
In an inspiring collaboration between Tonga Terre d’Accueil and the SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve, two lions rescued from a French circus and four servals saved from illegal trafficking are about to experience the freedom of breathing South African air.
Today, lions Massai and Kyara, along with the servals, will touch down in Johannesburg. From there, they will journey 450 km by road to reach their new forever home at the SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve. This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, far removed from the confines of captivity.
In 2021, France passed a landmark animal welfare law ending the breeding of wild animals in travelling circuses, and in 2023, called for the complete ban of exploitation of wild animals in such circuses by 2028. In line with this progressive move, Massai and Kyara, a 13-year-old brother and sister pair, were voluntarily handed over by a French circus to the Tonga Terre d’Accueil association two years ago. These majestic lions, who had only known the confines of a circus van and stage for most of their lives, will soon feel the African sun and breathe the air of their ancestral homeland for the very first time by tomorrow.
Their initial relocation to Tonga Terre d’Accueil, a incredible shelter for wild animals, marked the first time Massai and Kyara felt real grass beneath their feet. Having collaborated previously with SanWild, it was evident that this sanctuary, experienced in rescuing big cats and other wildlife from similar circumstances, would provide the perfect permanent home. The funds needed for their transfer from France to South Africa were raised through the joint efforts of Tonga Terre d’Accueil and SanWild’s Roar Project. In a heartwarming gesture, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo fully covered the flight costs to see the cats home.
Sadly, circus lions are not suitable for reintroduction to the wild as they are too habituated to be able to hunt prey or defend territory. Their lack of fear of humans would inevitably lead to a tragic end. SanWild has created an extended enclosure where they will roam a 4-hectare camp, replicating life in the wild, free from exploitation and in their natural habitat.
The serval cats, rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, have retained some of their natural instincts. With rehabilitation in a 1-hectare enclosure at SanWild, there is hope that they can eventually be rewilded and released into the reserve.
Massai, Kyara, and the servals are scheduled to arrive at the sanctuary tomorrow. Chairman and Managing Director Didi Schoeman remarked poignantly that the lions, unfamiliar with nature and even thorn trees, will be introduced to their new environment in daylight to ease their transition.
We look forward to bringing you more updates on their journey and arrival!
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To learn how you can support wildlife conservation efforts in South Africa, visit the SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve page and discover how you can make a meaningful impact as a volunteer.
