Born Free Foundation set lions free at Shamwari Game Reserve

The Born Free Foundation brought lions to London from a Belgian animal and wildlife rescue center before handing them to the care of Kenya Airways which flew the two eight-year-old lionesses first to Nairobi. There, they were met on the tarmac by a team of veterinarians before they were then loaded on another Dreamliner for their flight to Johannesburg.

From Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport, the two lionesses, named Maggie and Sonja, were then transported by a special vehicle to the Shamwari Game Reserve, where they can now for the first time enjoy the African wilderness and join a lion pride in the relative safety of the protected reserve.

A manager of the airline said: “We were thrilled to offer our services to carry this amazing, unique cargo. With the expertise of our support teams and our African network, it is great we made this logistically happen for Maggie and Sonja.”

Shamwari Wildlife Director and vet, Dr. Johan Joubert, together with the Born Free’s Big Cat Expert, Tony Wiles, were present at every step of the journey from Belgium to the UK, and then via Nairobi to Johannesburg.

Dr. Joubert said on arrival at their final destination: “I am very satisfied with the rescue and translocation of the lionesses, Maggie and Sonja, from the Natuurhulpcentrum in Belgium to Shamwari Game Reserve. Although it was a long journey for them, they traveled well. It was snowing when they left, two days ago, and now they are adapting to a hot African summer’s day. They experienced natural grass and trees today for the first time in their lives.”

Besides Kenya Airways and their conservation partner, Born Free Foundation, Landrover contributed to accomplishing the relocation of the two lionesses.