Turkish Cargo has flown four young lions from a circus in Ukraine to their natural habitat of South Africa.
Three lionesses: Luca, Charlie and Kai, plus the young male Nathan, were transported on a connecting flight from Istanbul.
The lions had been used as circus animals and had been housed in a 35 sq m concrete and steel cage without direct sunlight and clean air.
The animal rights Lawrence Anthony World Organization (LAEO) transported the lions to South Africa with Turkish Cargo sponsorship.
The lions were transported in specially-designed containers, and were accompanied by their keepers, specially-assigned veterinarians, an authorized person from LAEO and IATA Live Animals Regulations-certificated Turkish Cargo personnel during the 9,000km flight.
The lions were set free at Kragga Kamma Natural Park, embracing huge animal populations of Africa and offering all-green coastal forest and meadows extending along 14,000 sq m.
Said a Turkish Cargo spokesperson: “Initially having some difficulties to get used to their own habitat as they got used to the conditions of the circus, the lions will discover their real habitat and freedom with their new friends from now on.”
Turkish Airlines ratified the 'United For Wildlife (Buckingham Palace) Declaration (UFW)' in 2017 to prevent illegal wildlife trade.
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