Tsar and Jamil: one year on
A year ago, two young lions – rescued from the dangers of war in Ukraine – started a new life at our big cat sanctuary in South Africa. Enjoy our heartwarming new video.
Tsar (left) and Jamil (right)
Tsar and Jamil had a terrible start to life but, in the tranquil beauty of their forever home, we’ve been busy making it up to them!
Tsar and Jamil when they were first rescued (c) Wild Animals Rescue
Today marks one year since the lion brothers arrived at Born Free’s big cat sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, following an epic 8,000-mile journey from their halfway house at Natuurhulpcentrum – a wildlife rescue centre in Belgium.
Tsar and Jamil quickly settled into their spacious 2.5-acre natural bush enclosure and now, they are clearly thriving.
“They’re doing very well,” explains our Animal Care Manager Glen Vena. “They’re making use of the enclosure – we’ve got beautiful viewing decks they climb on. They’re enjoying their new home. We’ve seen them sharpening their claws on the trees, scent-marking, rubbing their heads on the trees. They look like the healthiest lions imaginable!
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish Tsar and Jamil a very happy first anniversary here at Shamwari. I also want to thank all the supporters — everyone who was involved in getting Tsar and Jamil here to us and those who support us on a regular basis. Without you, we would not have been able to do this. So, thank you. Thank you very much.”