South Africa, 15 September 2025
In a monumental and logistically challenging operation, Animal Survival International today announced the successful relocation of three lions – a lioness named Cleopatra and two cubs, Zorya and Mira – from war-torn Ukraine to a permanent sanctuary in South Africa.
After a demanding journey spanning thousands of miles and navigating a live conflict zone, the lions have finally arrived in their ancestral homeland, where they will live out the rest of their lives in peace and safety.
The lions in their crates after disembarking at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa - Credit: ASI/Taryn Slabbert.
Background and summary
The lions were rescued from the war in Ukraine by Animal Survival International’s partner, the Wild Animal Rescue Center (WARC). Lioness Cleopatra was saved from a private zoo that ran out of funds during the war; without WARC, she likely would have been left to fend for herself amidst the violence.
Cubs Zorya and Mira were found wandering the battle-scarred frontlines, both with broken back legs and suffering from extreme malnutrition. With help from Animal Survival International, the cubs received the life-saving care they needed – but with missiles exploding closer to the sanctuary every day, they were still not safe.
The rescue mission, coordinated by Anthony Peniston of the LionWatch Project and his dedicated team, was a year in the making and characterized by immense logistical hurdles. The complex undertaking required custom-built crates sponsored by Animal Survival International, veterinary teams on standby, and coordinated ground teams to ensure the animals' safety and well-being at every stage.
Ukraine is a no-fly zone, and the team was forced to plot a meticulous overland route across the country to Warsaw, Poland, constantly on high alert for explosions and military activity.
"The challenges we faced were a constant reminder of the war’s devastating impact on all living beings," said Animal Survival International executive director David Barritt. "Special permits from multiple countries had to be secured and it took a network of dedicated partners to move the lions safely. But with the war creeping closer to the lions’ temporary shelter by the day, we knew we had to get them out before the worst happened."
The lions safely boarded their flight from Warsaw to Doha, and then on to Johannesburg, South Africa. Qatar Airways Cargo provided the flights, free of charge, as a part of their WeQare Rewild the Planet Initiative.
Zorya's release at the LionWatch sanctuary in Alldays, South Africa. Credit: ASI/Taryn Slabbert
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo said, “Our WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative is our commitment to returning wildlife and endangered species back to their natural habitat, free of charge.
“It takes a lot of effort and logistics for our team to organize moving such large animals; from the logistics at the airports, loading and unloading the animals from the aircraft, to ensuring the correct cages and well-being of the animals are in place, but it is something we are all collectively very proud and passionate to be a part of.”
Upon arrival at the LionWatch Project sanctuary in Alldays, South Africa, the lions took their first steps onto African soil – a moment that symbolized their true homecoming. Here, they will have the space to roam, the shade of trees to rest under, and the sun on their backs – a life that is a world away from the bombs and suffering they have endured in Ukraine.
"This is more than just a relocation; it is a life-saving rescue and a chance for these magnificent animals to finally find peace and comfort," added Anthony Peniston of the LionWatch Project. "They endured unimaginable trauma, but now they are home in Africa, where they belong. The success of this operation is a testament to what we can achieve when we all work together to help vulnerable animals in crisis."
The relocation would not have been possible without the dedication and coordination of all the people and organizations who contributed towards its success. Animal Survival International extends a heartfelt thanks to the following contributors:
- Wild Animals Rescue Center (WARC) for their incredible work saving animals from active war zones in Ukraine, including Cleopatra, Zorya and Mira, and for providing the lions with shelter and care while they waited to return to Africa.
- Anthony Peniston and the entire LionWatch Project team for initiating, planning and executing the evacuation and relocation of the three lions from Ukraine to South Africa.
- Qatar Airways Cargo for sponsoring the flights free of charge from Poland to South Africa via Doha through their WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative, and the flight and ground crews for ensuring a safe, smooth journey for the lions.
- Leszek Garczarczyk from AirTrans in Poland for constructing the three customised crates for the lions, and Ewa Zadorożna, Dżesika Cyl, Szymon Zawada and Alen Sierżęga for organising all logistics and providing customs support in Poland and across Europe.
- Leszek Kwiatkowski and LucasK9 for providing the vehicle and driving the team and the three lions in their crates out of Ukraine to the airport in Poland, where they were safely boarded and flown to their new homes.
- Michael Falls from Pride of Africa Wildlife Solutions (PAWS) for organising all logistical arrangements and providing customs support in South Africa.
- Customs agencies BROKBRIDGE in the Ukraine and PORTALLS in Poland for helping to clear the lions at the Ukraine-Poland border.
- The ground staff and airport teams at Warsaw Chopin Airport, Hamad International Airport, and O.R. Tambo International Airport for their incredible support in ensuring the safe passage of the three lions on their journey to their new home in South Africa.
Cleopatra in a transport cage at OR Tambo Airport. Credit: ASI/Taryn Slabbert.
Banner credit: ASI/Taryn Slabbert
