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Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. This operation is being conducted in partnership with the Born Free Foundation. The announcement was made on X on March 8.
According to the Born Free Foundation, Tsar and Jamil were originally held under inadequate conditions in Ukraine and were rescued amid ongoing conflict in the region. They received temporary care at Natuurhulpcentrum, a Belgian wildlife rescue center, before being cleared for international relocation. Their final destination is Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa, a protected habitat where rescued lions can live free from exploitation.
As reported by Air Cargo Week, Cargolux managed the lions’ journey from Luxembourg to Johannesburg using a Boeing 747 freighter designed for sensitive cargo, including live animals. The flight adhered to International Air Transport Association regulations for Live Animals Regulations protocol. After arriving in South Africa, the lions traveled 1,000 kilometers by road to reach Shamwari reserve, marking the conclusion of a coordinated international effort.
