The time had come. I felt both excited and nervous, as I was about to witness an amazing event. This was my first visit to our sanctuary at Shamwari and I was about to see the four Lions of Lyon released from their night quarters into their spacious, natural bush enclosure for the very first time.

I watched as a brave Cersei stepped out, closely followed by Thea. They took a few tentative steps forward and looked around, a little bemused. Dadou, having observed the girls, casually wandered out after them. Horus decided to lay down and remain where he was. I was transfixed by their every move.

After a few minutes, Thea, the smallest of the cubs, wandered back over to Horus, while Cersei and Dadou walked off up the hill to explore the natural bush vegetation towards the back of the enclosure. The bond between them was evident to all.

It was a magical moment in my life: to see these four cubs finally in Africa after all the long months of preparation, and in great condition too after such a long journey. They were so alert and active. I just could not take my eyes off them, watching them exploring and experiencing new things. Thea, unused to the terrain, stumbled over a few ridges in the ground and tried eating grass for the first time. It was so lovely to watch her discovering these new things.