Ysis and Yoda, South African sibling lions who were trafficked to Europe, have been safely returned home.
Image: Supplied
In a heart-warming turn of events, South African lion cubs Yoda and Ysis have finally returned home after enduring an arduous journey of exploitation and abuse in Europe.
Rescued from a life of suffering in 2020, the siblings touched down in Johannesburg on a flight that symbolised both their reclamation and the resilience of animal welfare advocacy.
Initially trafficked and having been used in a music video, Yoda and Ysis’s plight caught the attention of the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, a French animal rights organisation that rescued them.
The Tonga Terre d’Accueil association ensured that the cubs received the care they desperately needed during their time at the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine Zoological Park in France.
After years of rehabilitation, the decision was made to repatriate them to their native land.
Their epic journey home began with a flight from Lyon to Paris and concluded with a long-awaited landing in Johannesburg, facilitated by Air France-KLM.
The airline, renowned for its commitment to animal welfare, expressed pride in being part of this significant mission.
“Repatriating Yoda and Ysis is a proud moment for us and reinforces South Africa’s reputation as a premier destination for wildlife rehabilitation,” remarked Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France-KLM.
He pointed out that efforts in transporting the lions safely were crucial to helping them embrace a new life at SanWild Sanctuary.
Upon their arrival, Yoda and Ysis were welcomed at the SanWild Sanctuary Wildlife Trust, a remarkable 5 000-hectare wildlife rehabilitation centre located in Limpopo, not far from the Kruger National Park.
Under the experienced care of the sanctuary's team, led by Alexandre Blanchon as part of The Roar Project, the lions are set to begin an important phase of their recovery in a semi-free environment.
This careful approach allows the cubs to gradually acclimatise to their natural habitat, fostering their instincts and strengthening their bond as siblings.
SanWild Sanctuary celebrated this pivotal moment by sharing a touching video on Instagram, capturing Yoda and Ysis adjusting to their new surroundings.
“The first sunset under an African sky! Yoda and Ysis at their new home in SanWild Sanctuary in South Africa after a 48-hour journey from France,” the sanctuary captioned the post, highlighting the emotional significance of their repatriation.
With genetic tests confirming their sibling connection, Yoda and Ysis’s journey resonates as a poignant reminder of the importance of wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
As they settle into their new home, the hope is that these cubs will flourish in the right environment, finally free from the shackles of exploitation.