Circus Lions Finally Get Freedom After Being Kept In Cages All Their Life
Circus lions are often sold as entertainment, but their lives behind the scenes can be painfully different. For Angela, Bellone, Saida, and Louga, that difference meant years spent in cages instead of the wild.
Born and raised in captivity, the four lions lived in harsh conditions while being used for human profit. Their rescue by Born Free was not quick or easy, but it finally gave them a chance at something they had never known before, real freedom.
Their journey to a sanctuary in South Africa took time, patience, and a lot of help along the way. Read on.
Angela, Bellone, Saida, and Louga were born and raised in captivity
These four majestic lions were born and raised as part of a mobile circus in France, where they endured a tough life, forced to perform tricks for crowds across the country.
At the end of each day, they were confined to small, rusty cages. Thankfully, this chapter of their lives came to an end when volunteers from the wildlife charity Born Free intervened and rescued them.
It wasn't a smooth sailing journey for everyone
Although the four were rescued back in 2018, the plans did not proceed as smoothly as everyone had hoped. Then, the pandemic struck, causing further delays in the release of the four lions.
The moment of their freedom has been delayed
Originally, the charity intended to transport all four lions to a sanctuary in Shamwari, South Africa, immediately. Unfortunately, they were unable to raise enough funds for the big cats' transport back to their homeland.
After four years, they finally make it home
While waiting for the pandemic to subside and to gather enough funds for their transport, the four lions lived at a rescue center in France. Now, after a long wait and journey, Angela, Bellone, Saida, and Louga are finally home in South Africa.
They can now step and frolic on the grass of their homeland. However, since they lived in captivity their entire lives, they will not be released into the wild.
At the Shamwari Private Game Reserve, though, they will have everything they need for a full and peaceful life.
The lions are finally in their forever home, and the change is hard to miss.
It also reminds us of the lion in an abandoned zoo, finally roaring after rescue: Lion, Forced to Stay Silent in Abandoned Zoo, Lets Out His First Roar Since Rescue.
Watch the moment these lions get their first taste of freedom here:
“The sights, sounds, and scents of their fellow rescued big cats will heighten their senses immediately as they begin to acclimatize to their new lives,” said Catherine Gillson, manager of the Born Free charity, in an interview with BBC News. “They are now in their forever home in Africa.”
It's heartbreaking to know that these beautiful, great, and majestic wild animals are kept in unsatisfactory conditions despite all the work they are forced to do for human gain. Thankfully, there are still many people fighting for the rights of these animals.
While we may not always be physically present to assist in their efforts, showing our support in any way we can already does so much for these fantastic creatures.
Want more freedom moments? See how Tarzan and Tanya finally met grass in Guatemala: Former Circus Lions Experience Grass Under Their Paws For The First Time.
Share this article:
