Lion who was rescued from circus wagon starts 4,900 mile journey
A lion who was rescued from a circus beast wagon has begun a 4,900 mile journey home to Africa, with the help of wildlife organisations.
Simba was six months old when he entered the French zoo, Parc Zoologique du Bouy.
Two months later he was sold to an animal trainer in Vernay. He was confined to a circus lorry trailer and sometimes allowed the use of a small run.
French authorities ordered that he be handed over and at the end of 2012, he was move to a temporary new home in Belguim.
From there, The Born Free Foundation and the Natuurhulpcentrum Opglabbeek began planning for his return to Africa. That journey began on Thursday (20) with Simba accompanied by Coronation Street actress and Born Free Foundation ambassador Helen Worth.
“What a beautiful animal he is. It is a disgrace that in modern Europe such neglect of wild animals can still be found. I am delighted that I can be part of this operation,” said Helen.
Simba's journey will take him to the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre in Malawi. He was taken to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport yesterday where he was due to be held in quarantine before flying to Malawi.
His flight is due to have a short stop in Nairobi. There he will be met by star of the 1966 film Born Free and founder of The Born Free Foundtion, actress Virginia McKenna OBE. She is due to travel with Simba on the final part of his journey to his new home.
“How wonderful to have a good news animal story in contrast to the seemingly endless negative and tragic ones that have filled the media in recent weeks," said Virginia.
"It is about one animal, one individual, but all of them matter and Simba, having initially been taken in by a Belgian rescue centre from an animal trainer in France, is now to begin his final journey to Africa, his rightful homeland.
"I know he will be beautifully cared for, living the rest of his life in a natural bush enclosure – a stark contrast to the circus wagon and barren exercise pen in France."
In time there are plans to introduce Simba to a lioness named Bella who was rescued by the Born Free Foundation from a Romanian zoo and now lives at the Lilongwe Wildlife Sanctuary.
For further information, visit www.bornfree.org.uk
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