Rescued lions BenTzur and Ori arrive at South Africa sanctuary after months stranded by conflict

Two adolescent lions seized from the illegal wildlife trade in Israel have reached Animal Defenders International’s sanctuary in South Africa after a 50-hour flight routed through Cairo and Frankfurt. The move highlights the growing trade in exotic animals used as social media props and the long-term care costs that follow rescue.

Why it matters: - BenTzur and Ori are now safe at Animal Defenders International’s Wildlife Sanctuary in Free State, South Africa, after months of delay tied to conflict in the Middle East. - The rescue spotlights the illegal trade in young lions kept as “trophy pets” for social media attention and later abandoned. - The case also shows how expensive long-distance wildlife rescues can be, from air transport to permanent care.

What happened: - BenTzur and Ori, both 16 months old, were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in Israel and transported to ADI’s sanctuary. - The lions had been stranded for months because most flights were grounded during the conflict. - ADI moved the lions on a cargo flight from Tel Aviv. - The trip took about 50 hours and included stops in Cairo and Frankfurt before landing in Johannesburg. - ADI founders Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips traveled with the lions to monitor them during the journey.

The details: - Israel’s Nature & Parks Authority seized the lions over a year ago during a crackdown on trafficked animals. - The lions had been taken from their mothers as cubs and circulated as photo props for likes and shares. - Ori was found in a basement in a house. - BenTzur was tied to a tree in a backyard on a short rope. - ADI previously rescued six young lions in Kuwait that had also been used as trophy pets and then abandoned. - Social media accounts, including influencers with more than 6 million followers, have helped normalize and monetize exotic-animal abuse, according to ADI. - On the flight, the ADI team topped up the lions’ water and fed them small pieces of meat through a hole in the crate. - The lions arrived from the heat of Israel into South African winter conditions, so ADI kept them overnight in a heated house and fed them lightly. - On Wednesday morning, ADI opened the doors and the lions stepped onto grass at the sanctuary. - The sanctuary habitat covers 2.5 acres and includes platforms, dens and toys. - The lions have already been responding to carers, coming in to be fed and playing with giant robust-a-balls and catnip sacks. - Jan Creamer said the lions rubbed heads, vocalized and curled up together after arrival. - Jan Creamer also said the lions were cautious at first, then gained confidence as they explored the habitat and listened to other lions nearby.

Between the lines: - The rescue reflects a broader problem ADI describes as reaching epidemic levels. - Young lions used as status symbols often suffer in cramped, unnatural conditions before being dumped when they become costly or dangerous. - Because of inbreeding, early malnutrition, genetic problems and close contact with humans, BenTzur and Ori cannot be returned to the wild. - The long delay, scarce flights and higher aviation fuel costs made the rescue especially expensive. - ADI also had to pay for a secure habitat and a brick heated house. - The organization is now seeking support for food, veterinary care and staffing for what it expects could be the next 20 years.

What's next: - BenTzur and Ori will remain at the sanctuary under long-term care. - ADI is asking for donations to help cover the lions’ ongoing costs. - The charity’s appeal is focused on food, medical care and support staff for the pair’s lifetime. - More information and donations are available here.

The bottom line: - BenTzur and Ori made it to Africa, but rescue is only the first step. Their future now depends on decades of human care after an early life shaped by trafficking and exploitation.