Two rescued lions begin new life at South African sanctuary

BenTzur and Ori, two adolescent lions seized in Israel from the illegal wildlife trade, have arrived at Animal Defenders International’s sanctuary in South Africa after a 50-hour flight routed through Cairo and Frankfurt. Their rescue spotlights the online trophy-pet trade and the rising role social media plays in normalizing animal abuse.

Why it matters: - BenTzur and Ori’s transfer to South Africa shows the scale and cost of rescuing big cats from the illegal wildlife trade. - The case underscores how social media can fuel demand for wild animals kept as “trophy pets.” - The lions will never return to the wild, so long-term sanctuary care is now their permanent future.

What happened: - Animal Defenders International moved adolescent lions BenTzur and Ori to its Wildlife Sanctuary in Free State, South Africa. - The lions were rescued from illegal trafficking in Israel after being seized by Israel’s Nature & Parks Authority as tiny cubs more than a year ago. - The transport took about 50 hours and went from Tel Aviv to Cairo, then Frankfurt, then Johannesburg. - ADI founders Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips accompanied the lions on the flight.

The details: - The lions were stranded for months because conflict in the Middle East grounded most flights. - During the journey, the ADI team topped up their water and fed them small prepared pieces of meat through the crate. - The lions arrived at the sanctuary in winter conditions after leaving sweltering heat in Israel. - ADI kept them overnight in a heated house and gave them a light meal before opening the doors the next morning. - The lions stepped out onto a 2.5-acre habitat with grass, platforms, dens and toys. - BenTzur was found tied to a tree in a backyard on a short rope. - Ori was found in the basement of a house. - The lions adapted quickly, responding to carers, eating in their house and playing with giant robust-a-balls and catnip sacks. - ADI says the rescue became expensive because of months of waiting, scarce flights, higher aviation fuel costs, and the need to build a secure habitat and heated brick house. - Donations can be made at the donation page.

Between the lines: - ADI says “trophy pets” are young lions and tigers taken from their mothers and kept as status symbols for social media attention. - Jan Creamer said social platforms are giving free publicity to a cruel and abusive trade. - ADI says it has identified influencers with more than 6 million followers handling exotic animals and helping normalize the practice. - The rescue also reflects how young animals taken too early can suffer long-term health and behavior problems.

What’s next: - ADI is seeking support to cover food, veterinary care and staff costs for BenTzur and Ori for the next 20 years. - The lions will remain at the sanctuary permanently because of in-breeding, early malnutrition, genetic problems and close human contact. - Their new life will focus on care, security and gradual adjustment inside the sanctuary rather than release into the wild.

The bottom line: - BenTzur and Ori survived the illegal pet trade, but their rescue shows how much work and money it takes to undo one case of animal exploitation.