Two young lions, Tsar and Jamil, have been given a new lease on life as they took their first steps on African soil, leaving behind a tumultuous past for a promising future at Born Free’s Big Cat Sanctuary at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Born into captivity in a Ukrainian zoo, Tsar and Jamil endured early hardship, separated from their mother and exploited as a tourist attraction.

Despite the efforts of local animal protection organizations, their conditions remained dire until they were finally rescued and transported to a wildlife rescue center in Kyiv.

There, their journey to recovery began, but the outbreak of war in Ukraine posed a new threat.

A collaboration between Ukrainian and Belgian organizations facilitated their evacuation to Natuurhulpcentrum (NHC) in Belgium, where they found temporary refuge.

Their final journey to South Africa was meticulously planned, orchestrated by Born Free in partnership with Natuurhulpcentrum, Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Cargolux, and British Airways Holidays.

After a journey spanning thousands of kilometres, the brothers arrived safely in their ancestral homeland, greeted by the warmth of the African sun.

Maggie Balaskas, Born Free’s Head of Rescue and Care, expressed relief at their safe arrival, acknowledging the tireless efforts of those involved:

“After a traumatic start in life… it’s a huge relief to know that Tsar and Jamil have arrived safely at their forever home.”

Their arrival at Shamwari brings hope for a brighter future, as Catherine Gillson, Born Free Manager at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, shared:

“We look forward to providing them with the care and respect they deserve… in an environment as close as possible to the wild.”

Dame Virginia McKenna, Born Free Co-Founder shared her reflections:

“It was with a sense of joy that I learned of the safe arrival of these beautiful lion brothers at wonderful Shamwari in South Africa. After enduring such misery and hardship in their early years, they can now live the rest of their lives as free as possible, just as nature intended. Grass beneath their feet, sun on their backs, and the shade of trees where they can rest whenever they wish. No longer exploited, but respected and cherished. For 40 years our charity, Born Free, has worked tirelessly for individual wild animals like Tsar and Jamil. Their story is the story of Born Free, one of perseverance, hope and change.”