Two Lions Set Free In Sanctuary After 75-Hour Trek

Story ByAngjela TrajkovskaSub EditorJoseph GolderAgencyCEN

Video Credit: CEN/@ubuntuwildlife

This is the moment two majestic lions are set free at a sanctuary after leaving a closed zoo and making a 75-hour journey halfway across the world.

According to local media, the two lions were moved from a closed zoo in the northern Argentine city of Santiago del Estero to the Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern South African province of North West.

Following a 75-hour journey, the lion Secu and lioness Zuka, both six years old, safely arrived in their new home after being transported by a cargo company.

Pictures Credit: CEN/@ubuntuwildlife & CEN/Frente Civico Ciudad

The lions travelled in specially-designed cages in accordance with international rules, according to reports.

A sanctuary volunteer said: “Secu went out first and immediately went to explore its enclosure, brushing against the bushes and smelling the trees. He continued roaring for over three hours and all of us could fell his emotion and happiness.

Video Credit: CEN/Frente Civico Ciudad

“Zuka was a little bit more careful and stayed close to the shelter during the night. After Secu came and assured her that everything was safe, she went and placed herself below a dark tree.”

Meanwhile, the closed Argentine zoo announced that they have now finished transferring its five big cats.

Lion Melena and tigress Tika were moved to the same South African sanctuary on 18th March while another tigress called Tuna was moved to the Drakenstein Lion Park in south-western South Africa on 27th March.

Netizen ‘Fernando Nasif Saber’ said: “Hopefully these animals will live their last years in freedom and that’s how it should be. Thanks.”