Jora and Black, two seven-year old lion brothers (pictured) who were finally freed after living in a metal beast wagon since July 2014, have completed an epic journey of more than 10,500 miles to begin their new lives in their ancestral home of Africa.
It was this past July when Born Free USA assisted by FOUR PAWS rescued these the two ex-circus lions living in cramped cages after the Bulgaria government put a ban on using animals in circuses. last year. They languished in this trailer (below) in separate cages after the ban went into effect.
Their journey to Africa began Friday night from a halfway house in Central Bulgaria and concluded Sunday when they arrived at the Shamwari Game Reserve. Today is their final release into their brand new home.
Jora and Black were Bulgaria’s last two circus lions. Taken from their mother as small cubs, they were exploited for years under the big top and forced to ‘entertain’ misguided audiences throughout eastern Europe and Turkey. .After the lions’ original owners allowed the brothers to live in a trailer, they finally agreed to have them re-homed with Born Free. They will finally live their lives the way they always should have.
Jora and Black were flown this past Saturday from Bourgas airport to London where they were met by legendary actress of, “Born Free.” fame and co-founder of Born Free Foundation, Virginia McKenna OBE. She said, “It’s fantastic to see the animals….. I am really happy that with the generous public support we are able to offer them a wonderful new home…. They deserve no less.”
They made their way to Africa by Sunday where they were transported by Land Rover Discovery vehicles and trailers to their new home at the Shamwari Game Reserve. The brothers now live in a spacious, safe and enriching natural accommodation. Upon release yesterday, Jora and Black greeted each other fondly. They will be enjoying their first meal together this afternoon.
The lions traveled very well in their crates and are doing well in their new home at the game reserve. Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves. Stretching 25,000 hectares over a malaria free landscape, it is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa.
According to Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA and the Born Free Foundation, “Every time we rescue an ill-treated wild animal, forced into unnatural, cruel captivity for years, it is truly a cause for celebration. The story of Jora and Black and their opportunity to live in peace in South Africa is an uplifting one; a testament to the hard work of so many dedicated people including Born Free staff, and an inspiration that drives us to save more animals in need wherever they sadly languish.”
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I don’t attend circuses when they use animals. People need to know how cruel those places are. They say they aren’t but they really are. They are hit and whipped to teach them tricks. They live a life of solitude. It has been recorded despite circuses saying they don’t abuse the animals. Look at Jorda and Black. They ripped from their mother at a very young age. So cruel. I’m glad they’re finally living in Africa. They should be safe there unlike Cecil, the lion, who was lured out of the national park and killed.
If only all circus animals could be saved and rehomed.
Good news. Now let’s save the other thousands of animals that were/are used in circuses!!!!