Home at last
- Virginia McKenna, Born Free vet John Knight and Prince Albert ll of Monaco check one of the leopards before its long journey.
Pitou and Sirius the leopards have come ‘home’ to Africa thanks to Prince Albert II of Monaco. For several years the brother and sister lived at Monaco Zoo but the Prince has given the pair to Born Free to enjoy a new life in their ancestral homeland. After Born Free vet John Knight sedated the leopards, the Prince helped administer pre-departure veterinary treatments and carried them to their special transport crates. Pitou, 14, and Sirius, 13, were transferred by plane from Nice to their new African home at the Shamwari Wildlife Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. They were escorted by Born Free founder, actress and wildlife campaigner, Virginia McKenna. Originating from a French travelling circus, the leopards have been resident at the Monaco Zoo for nine years.
The Born Free Foundation would like to express their deep gratitude to Thomsonfly and its passengers who have helped fund this relocation of the leopards and their life-time care at Shamwari. Heartfelt thanks to you all.
New footage of Monaco leopard relocation
See above for new footage of Pitou and Sirius, relocated from Monaco Zoo in January 2008. (Footage courtesy of Born Free Foundation)
How you can help
Get involved – join Born Free
Like to find out more about Pitou and Sirius and follow their progress at our sanctuary? Join Born Free as a Silver Member today! We’ll send you a great silver joining pack and regular magazines, for just £30 a year. Or purrfect for all leopard lovers, become a special Big Cat Gold Member for just £39 a year and receive a gold pack and our exclusive Big Cat Update twice a year as well.
Get involved – come on holiday
Big Cat Holiday, South Africa, 12th-21st Sept 2008, £1,860. Come and visit the leopards in their new home in South Africa. Our unique holiday combines cultural sights with amazing wildlife. Enjoy Cape Town, the famous Garden Route, plus whale-watching, then visit Pitou and Sirius and other rescued lions and leopards at Shamwari Wildlife Reserve.
Get involved – take our challenge
South Africa Challenge, 3rd-13th Nov 2008, £250 deposit + £2,750 min sponsorship. Test your endurance with a true African adventure. Learn the skills of a ranger, walking 60km through Shamwari, then visit Pitou and Sirius and our other rescued big cats.
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