From Spotlight to Savannah: The Journey of Two Circus Lions to Their New Home in Africa

Meet Goliath and Coralie, two lions who spent over ten years confined in a cramped circus cage while touring France. Thanks to new laws aimed at phasing out wild animals in circuses, this dynamic duo is finally heading home to their ancestral lands at the Animal defenders International Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS) in South Africa. They’re about to experience the freedom of roaming, playing, and lounging under the vast African sky.

On May 20th, Goliath and Coralie will embark on their journey to Africa.

The team at Animal Defenders International (ADI) has been working tirelessly to gather funds for their relocation and ongoing care. this week brought an unbelievable surprise: Qatar Airways Cargo generously offered complimentary flights for the lions! They’ll be flying from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on a freighter, making a stop in Doha before continuing on to Johannesburg—arriving just in time on May 21st. Accompanying them will be ADI founders Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips along with veterinarian Dr. Peter Caldwell.

mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo stated: “We are thrilled to support ADI once again by helping these magnificent lions return home. Our WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative reflects our commitment to restoring wildlife back into their natural habitats without any cost.”

“Transporting such large animals involves meticulous planning—from airport logistics and loading procedures to ensuring they have proper cages for comfort,” he added. “But it’s a cause we’re all passionate about.”

A notable shift occurred in 2021 when France joined over 50 countries banning wild animals like elephants and tigers from circuses—a move that marks an end of an era for one of the world’s most renowned circus industries. The law aims for full enforcement by 2028.

This change was prompted by complaints against Cirque Idéal from France’s Free Life Association; despite attempts by the circus to evade authorities,they were located,leading to the rescue of Goliath and Coralie—aged 11 and 13 respectively—from captivity at Tonga Terre d’Accueil near St Etienne before being handed over to ADI.

The organization specializes in rescuing circus animals following government bans across various countries including Bolivia and Colombia—previously relocating as many as 33 ex-circus lions from South America all on one flight!

Diving deeper into this story reveals that Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips visited Goliath and Coralie during their stay at Tonga Terre d’Accueil where they decided these two deserved a fresh start within ADI’s expansive sanctuary spanning over 455 acres filled with rescued wildlife like tigers too! While returning them directly back into nature isn’t feasible due largely due damage caused during captivity—the sanctuary offers vast enclosures ranging between 2.5 acres up until eight acres allowing them more space than ever before!

Jan Creamer expressed her thoughts saying: “These clever creatures have endured years of neglect living confined behind bars without any consideration given towards their needs or wellbeing whatsoever! If we unite our efforts now—they can thrive under African sunshine where they’ll finally get opportunities such as running freely or simply napping peacefully amidst grasslands.” p >A study conducted by Bristol University highlighted that life within traveling circuses fails both standards necessary for quality living conditions among wild species; thus prompting ADI’s global Stop Circus Suffering campaign which has led numerous nations—including seven states across America—to ban using wild animals altogether within entertainment venues.Creamer concluded optimistically stating: “It’s fantastic news knowing these lions will soon find themselves back home thanks largely due contributions made possible through Qatar Airways Cargo! However—we still need help reaching our fundraising goals covering costs associated with caring long-term alongside preparing suitable habitats upon arrival so please consider supporting us further!” p > div >