Last Circus Lions in Bulgaria Leave for South Africa

On arrival in South Africa they will be transported by a convoy of Land Rover Discovery vehicles and trailers to their new home at the Born Free Jean Byrd Education and Rescue Centre, at the Shamwari Game Reserve, just outside Port Elizabeth.

Global wildlife charity The Born Free Foundation has announced that Jora and Black, the two rescued ex-circus lions from Bulgaria, have embarked on an epic journey of more than 16 800 kilometres to begin new lives in their ancestral home of Africa.

Shamwari group head of wildlife Dr Johan Joubert, who is a veterinarian, and Born Free’s big cat specialist Tony Wiles travelled with the pair throughout their journey, conducting regular health checks. Jora and Black are flagship animals for the ending of all wild animals in circuses.

From Gatwick, they were ferried by road in quarantine vehicles to London’s Heathrow Airport for the next leg of the journey, the overnight flight to Johannesburg. But at least it is certain that Jora and Black will now have all of the time they need to enjoy their new freedom.

After Bulgaria made it illegal to use wild animals in circus acts earlier this year, the owners left the lions in the cramped metal trailer until Born Free was able to re-home them.

(Photo: (c)* Charlotte Cornwallis / Shamwari Game Reserve) Black, the more dominant of the pair, boldly strolls in after Jora.

“When the crates were first opened and they were released into their enclosure, they were a bit tentative at first but they had their first touch on African soil which was very emotional for all involved”.

According to Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free United States of America and the Born Free Foundation, he couldn’t be happier with how things turned out for the last circus lions of Bulgaria.

Virginia, who has campaigned for animal welfare since making the film Born Free with her husband Bill Travers, said: “It’s fantastic to see the animals have travelled so well”.

Still, supporting Jora and Black doesn’t stop with them finding a home. £3,900 would provide one year’s expert care for one lion, good food and any medical treatment needed.

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