Shropshire Star

Lions saved from Middle East wars head to South Africa refuge

They were rescued from zoos in Syria and Iraq.

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Simba, who was rescued from Iraq. (Raad Adayleh/AP)

Two African lions rescued from war zones in Iraq and Syria are heading to a permanent home in South Africa.

The lions first rested in Jordan, where they recuperated from physical and psychological trauma.

The lions were coaxed with mouthfuls of meat into crates on Sunday before being loaded into a cargo lorry to take them to Jordan’s airport.

lion named Saeed, who was rescued from Syria by the animal rights group Four Paws (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)
lion named Saeed, who was rescued from Syria by the animal rights group Four Paws (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

Most animals in those zoos died.

The two lions arrived emaciated and dehydrated at the Al-Ma’wa Animal Sanctuary in Jordan.

The lions received medical care including vasectomies and dental work. They gained weight on a steady diet, with lamb meat saved for special treats.

They will fly from Amman to Johannesburg, via Qatar.

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