Known as The Kuwait 6, males Muheeb, Saham, Shujaa and Saif, and females Dhubiya and Aziza were being cared for at Kuwait Zoo after being rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
Kuwaiti government officials contacted Animal Defenders International who offered the lions a home at their 455-acre sanctuary in South Africa.
The lions flew with Qatar Airways Cargo as part of the airline’s WeQare sustainability programme, which creates a positive impact on the industry and the world.
Chapter 2 of WeQare is Rewild the Planet, which helps preserve ecological balance by offering free transport to organisations involved in returning wild animals to their natural habitat.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo of Qatar Airways Cargo, says, “It takes a lot of effort and logistics for our team to organise moving such large animals; from the logistics at the airports, loading and unloading the animals from the aircraft, to ensuring the correct cages and wellbeing of the animals are in place, but it is something we are all collectively very proud and passionate to be a part of.”
Jan Creamer, President of Animal Defenders International, adds, “The Kuwait 6 lions have their whole lives ahead of them and will have acres of space at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. We are thankful to Qatar Airways Cargo and their WeQare programme in once again supporting us by covering the cost of the air transport back to Africa. We are also very thankful to the ADI supporters who are helping to fund their care.”