We did it! The Kuwait 6 lions are home at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.
Eleven days ago, Tim and I arrived in Kuwait to oversee the rescue of the Kuwait 6 lions – Muheeb, Saham, Shujaa, Saif, Dhubiya and Aziza. We worked on the final paperwork, assessed the lions, planned the loading, confirmed truck rentals, and oversaw re-construction of the travel crates we had sent flat-packed from South Africa. Our veterinarian Dr Peter Caldwell arrived, confirmed the lions were fit to travel and we were ready to go.
The young lions (only one adult) were all captured after being dumped by owners in the streets of Kuwait City or the surrounding desert. Purchased as status symbols, then cast off when no longer wanted, Dhubiya and Saif were tiny cubs when they were found starving and dehydrated in the desert.
What sort of people would discard these tiny baby cubs to die? This cruel trade must end.
At 2am on Sunday we were at Kuwait Zoo, where the lions had been temporarily housed, making final preparations to load the animals. Dr Caldwell and the zoo veterinary team oversaw sedation, loading, and reviving of the lions in their crates. It is very important to bring the animals around before they travel, as it can be dangerous if lions are unconscious and roll into the wrong position, which can cause suffocation.
Shortly after 4am all of the lions were crated, fully conscious, on board our truck and we reached Kuwait airport at sunrise. The crates were checked again and Tim tightened bolts to ensure everything was secure. We unloaded them onto the cargo dock.
Not long before midday the lions were rolling onto our cargo flight donated by Qatar Airways Cargo as part of their WeQare scheme. We had laid out all the pallet positions to keep stress to a minimum: Shujaa with Saham, Aziza with Muheeb and Saif and Dhubiya on the final pallet. They were positioned just behind where we were sitting so that we had full access to the lions throughout the flight to give water and food as needed.
We took off at 12.55 and reached Doha about an hour later, where we gave the lions some food and topped up their water. After a smooth flight, we arrived in Johannesburg early, at about 11.30pm. Then our hearts sank as there was a query on the Kuwait paperwork and all the offices were shut. We had to wait.
We ensured the lions were in the quietest spot and Johannes, Jan, and Karen checked them regularly, giving treats. Not long after 2pm on Monday the lions were on their way out of the airport and being loaded onto the truck, donated by Gas Boys, Virginia, Free State and Theo Smit, who said they would wait as long as it took to get the lions. We were grateful when they drove, slowly and carefully, to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, even though it meant arriving after 9pm.
One by one we lifted the crates down and released the lions into their night houses where they had nice hay beds to rest in and keep warm. By midnight, as the calendar rolled over to Tuesday, the exhausted ADI team headed to bed. Just a few hours later, we were opening the houses and watching the lions step out into the morning sunshine in their quarantine enclosures.
For two weeks the lions will be in quarantine enclosures which measure 6,700sqft to 13,500sqft, enough space to jump on their platforms and play with giant balls, catnip punchbags and other treats, but it will be really exciting when they are released into our large natural habitats of several acres.
These young lions symbolise an illicit, global trade which is now being boosted through irresponsible social media posts featuring people petting and ‘playing’ with big cats.
Babies are taken from their mothers when young and cute, leaving them lonely and dependent on their captor for food and attention for life. The animals are often kept in isolation and in inappropriate conditions including being chained or caged in basements. Often as these animals get bigger, stronger, and expensive to feed they are simple thrown away – just as the Kuwait 6 were.
As we celebrate the joy of these six lions playing in the African sunshine, let’s also step up our efforts to end this cruel trade. Donate UK, Euros, Rand | Donate US $, CA $
Remember, these young lions could be in ADI care for another 20 years.
Liftoff for the Kuwait 6 is almost upon us and we have been preparing all week in Kuwait.
Our veterinarian Dr. Peter Caldwell has arrived and checked the lions; we are ready to begin loading them into their travel crates at 2am on Sunday (May 19). They will be sedated, loaded, brought around again, checked, and driven to the airport. Our Qatar Airways Cargo aircraft (donated as part of their WeQare program) takes off at 1pm.
Tim, Peter, and I will be with the lions throughout the flight, providing snacks, water, and ensuring there are no problems. We will arrive in South Africa at midnight. The lions should be stepping onto African soil for the first time in their lives at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, after daybreak on May 20 (in quarantine). We will be posting live on social media throughout the operation.
Illegally purchased as ‘trophy pets’, the six young lions, Muheeb, Saham, Shujaa, Saif, Dhubiya, and Aziza, had been dumped when they were no longer wanted – discarded like a fashion accessory of which the owner had become bored.
Saif and Dhubiya were small cubs when they were abandoned to die in the desert. Found starving and dehydrated, they were nursed back to health at Kuwait Zoo. Volunteers and staff at the zoo have looked after the lions until a home could be found. Some of the rescued lions had been released to run free in the city streets, or left tied to lampposts, while others were seized by Kuwait officials fighting the illegal wildlife trade.
This is an important rescue. It will transform the lives of six lions and will put a spotlight on a cruel, global trade, being fueled by social media. Tiny babies are stolen from their mothers when they look cute, forcing them into a life of loneliness and dependency on their captor for food and affection. The traffickers smuggle animals in suitcases where many die, and once sold, they are destined for an unnatural life caged or chained.
Tragically, social media all over the world is awash with irresponsible posts featuring people petting and ‘playing’ with big cats. Big cats should never be pets. Lions can live for over 20 years and quickly become powerful, expensive to feed, and when just expressing themselves naturally, they are dangerous to humans. Each of the Kuwait 6 were dumped before even reaching adulthood.
A huge thank you to everyone who has been supporting this rescue. In addition to preparing the sanctuary with adaptations to habitats, the big cost we face is the care of these animals for life. Can you help us care for these six youngsters about to start their new lives at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary? Please donate here.
You can also support their care with an adoption for Aziza, Dhubiya, Muheeb, Saham, Saif, or Shjuaa from ADI’s UK or US stores.
The countdown has begun! We are so excited to share with you that the Kuwait 6 lions will be arriving at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary on Monday 20 May.
Young lions Saif, Dhubiya, Muheeb, Saham, Shujaa, and now Aziza, have been rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade in the Middle East – and were either surrendered, confiscated, or captured after being abandoned. We are so thankful to the workers and volunteers at the Kuwait Zoo for caring for the lions, and to Qatar Airways Cargo who will move the lions free of charge as part of their WeQare scheme. I will be in Kuwait this week and will update you as we prepare for take-off on Sunday 19th May.
Read on to learn more about our campaign developments in the UK, Colombia, and the US, as well as rescue and sanctuary news.
Colombia’s bullfighting ban on a knife edge. Despite hours of debate in the House of Representatives this week, the historic Bill 219/23C to ban bullfighting has yet to go to a vote. The ban will be back on the agenda on May 14. As well as lobbying, ADI has sponsored mobile digital billboards to tour Bogota, showing footage from bull fights and giving people the facts on the suffering of the bulls and horses. Despite public support for a ban, the powerful bullfighting lobby continues to pull out all the stops to block the bill. Support the Colombia Sin Toreo campaign
World Day for Laboratory Animals saw us highlighting the suffering of lab animals around the world. Globally, four animals suffer and die in tests or experiments every second. OnWorld Day for Laboratory Animals, April 24, supporters urged their MPs and Representatives to call for the adoption of advanced scientific non-animal methods and wider scientific scrutiny of proposals for animal use. Better science for animals and people. If you have yet to do so, please take part here: UK | US
Our new End Animal Testing range is exclusively available from the ADI store. With t-shirts, hoodies and more to choose from, check out and order here: UK store | US store. As well as helping to raise awareness of the issue, all purchases help raise funds for our life-saving work too.
Wenatchee City Council in Washington unanimously voted to ban exotic/wild animals in traveling shows and to restrict their private ownership.
Elsewhere, female Asian elephant Viola escaped from the Jordan World Circus in Butte, with videos showing her crossing a busy four-lane street, obstructing traffic, with a handler helplessly running after her with a bullhook. She was eventually re-captured, but has a history of escaping the circus. Such incidents underscore the public safety risks of wild animals in circuses. If you live in the US, help secure a nationwide ban. Urge your Congress members to call for and support the reintroduction of the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA).
The Scottish Parliament has banned snares, under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill. These noose-like devices, used to trap animals, are indiscriminate and can cause prolonged suffering.
Elephant and camel rides are back at Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Waxahachie, Texas, every weekend until May 27. The suppliers, Trunks and Humps were previously caught by ADI on video repeatedly beating Krissy the elephant and using a stun gun on her. The loud, crowded festival is a stressful environment for elephants and camels who walk in circles for hours carrying people. Please call on the Festival to stop these rides. Send a polite email to entertainment@srfestival.com.
Washington has become the 12th US state to take a stand against the use of rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice to test cosmetics. Modern testing methods should now replace outdated animal use. With public support for ending these tests, national bans have now been secured in over 40 countries worldwide. For a nationwide ban in the US, call on your Congress member to support the Humane Cosmetics Act today.
Miami Seaquarium’s lease has been terminated reportedly due to deteriorating conditions and animal welfare violations. They have been ordered to leave but are refusing to do so. Lack of recourses led to them euthanizing a sea lion at the end of March. Aquariums and marine parks are no place for animals who belong in the wild. In the US, ADI supports the Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings (SWIMS) Act to ban the taking, breeding and import/export of orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales and false killer whales for public display. Please urge your Congress members to support the SWIMS Act, S3694.
UK Government promises ban on Forced Swim Test, during which mice or rats are placed into a water-filled container, from which it is impossible to escape. The principle is that the animal will initially desperately attempt to escape, knowing that they will otherwise drown. When the animal eventually despairs, and gives up, becoming immobile, this is measured as an indicator of depression. Used for decades to test drugs for treating the incredibly complex human condition of depression, an end to this torture is long overdue. ADI is urging the commitment to implemented without delay.
House of Representatives votes 209 to 205 to remove protections for gray wolves. ADI and 102 other organizations signed onto a letter to US House members opposing The Trust the Science Act (HR764), which directs the Secretary of Interior to reissue the final rule to delist gray wolves in 44 states and threatens to remove Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for gray wolves. Sadly it was passed and moves to the Senate. Please call your US Senators and urge them to OPPOSE Trust the Science Act, HR764.
A young female capuchin rescued in Peru will be joining the ADI animal family in Peru in our Amazon forest habitats! Estimated to be 1-2 years old, she had been kept as a pet until the authorities intervened. Forced to live in environments so different to their natural worlds, wild animals kept as pets suffer deprivation and loneliness, and can develop physical and psychological problems. You can support the care of our newest rescue here: UK £ | US $.
UK Bill to ban hunting trophy imports, after passing its second reading, is now in the report stage in the House of Commons, date to be announced. The previous bill to progress the ban failed to pass in the House of Lords, after running out of time due to opposition from Lords. Help keep the pressure on and join the call to the Prime Minister to get the ban done.
Sea Lion Splash (despite their numerous USDA citations) makes ludicrous claim that they demonstrate the animals’ natural habitat. Yet, the sea lions and otters are transported in trailers that double up as a stage with portable pools and tanks that are wholly inadequate. Last month at the Pima County Fair, Tucson, Arizona, sea lions were forced to balance balls, catch rings, perform handstands and other tricks three times a day while Otter Adventure had otters swimming in tiny tanks described as an “interactive show” for “nonstop entertainment”. Please call and/or email Pima County Fair and politely ask them not to invite Sea Lion Splash, Otter Adventure, or any other performing wild animal acts back. Phone: 520-762-9100 | Email: office@pimacountyfair.com | https://www.facebook.com/pimacountyfair
Lab animal supply company Safer Human Medicine plans to build a $396 million facility in Bainbridge, Georgia to 30,000 long-tailed macaque monkeys. Aside from the horrific fate these animals would be sold into, there are concerns about escapes and potential for disease. There are better, advanced scientific methods to replace animals. This International Macaque Week (the first week of May), will you speak up for the tens of thousands of macaques that could end up here? Urge Mayor Edward Reynolds to stop the plans and support better science. Send a polite email to edwardr@bainbridgecity.com.
Killing of badgers in England is to intensify in ‘hotspot’ areas where populations could be reduced to almost zero, despite Government pledges to stop the culls. As studies have found, culling badgers cannot meaningfully contribute to the future control of bovine TB in Britain, the removal of badgers also impacting negatively on the wider ecosystem. Join ADI in calling on the Prime Minister and DEFRA Secretary of State to end the killing. Take action here.
Easyjet will no longer offer trips to zoos and marine parks in their holiday packages. Tours and activities will not include tickets to harmful animal-based attractions, including rides, performances, and sporting events. ADI supports this positive change in policy and hopes other companies will follow their lead. In the UK, the promotion/sale of harmful animal activities will be banned under the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act, once regulations have been decided which ADI is calling on the government to progress.
Finally, if you missed our Facebook live from ADIWS as Max, Stripes, Kesari, Coco and Coco enjoyed some special watermelon and catnip treats, you can watch (or watch again!) the fun and games here.
The past weeks have been overshadowed by the passing of Ruben. We have been overwhelmed and comforted by the touching response and kind words from all of you who followed Ruben’s story and supported his rescue and care. Thank you.
Ruben’s remarkable determination and lust for life inspired us all. We have rarely seen an animal so determinedly grasp his new life with both paws. When he arrived at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, Ruben’s entire countenance changed; his face was no longer furrowed and stressed but relaxed and happy. Above all else, a steely determination to grab hold of his new life emerged. He pushed himself to walk further and further each day. We came to believe Ruben could achieve anything.
For seven months, he lived a wonderful life – a lion in the land of his forefathers and living with his own kind after years of loneliness. He found his roar again. His time with us was not enough, but we would do it all again to see him enjoy even just a week of the life he enjoyed in Africa. Farewell, Ruben, you lit up our lives. Read more here.
When the Kuwait 6 lions arrive at the sanctuary later this month, there will be an undoubted sadness amongst us all that they will not be moving in next to Ruben. But his memory and inspiration will live on.
With your support we can continue to make a difference for animals. To help, please donate here: UK £, Euros, Rand | US $, CA $
The news I am sure you have been waiting for – we are counting down to fly the Kuwait 6 (Muheeb, Saif, Dhubiya, Aziza, Shujaa and Saham) lions home to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS), South Africa, on 19 May!
The South African CITES import permit had to be cancelled and reissued when we added precious, shy lioness Aziza to the flight, causing a delay. We are now working to secure the final veterinary permits and that will be their ticket to fly to their homeland.
With your help, 20 May – just 17 days’ time – will see these young lions running and playing, more space and sky than they have ever known, in the land of their forefathers at the ADIWS.
We will transform the lives of these animals and strike a blow against the cruel and illegal wildlife trade, fuelled by people seeking a status symbol – illegal, doomed for an unnatural life of isolation on a chain or caged in a basement, so that someone could show them off as if they were a new watch, or a car.
As these animals grow, they become too strong and expensive to feed, or the owner just becomes bored of the novelty and doesn’t want to care for a being who may live for 20 years. So they are often abandoned. There are reports of lions being dumped in the desert to starve and lion cubs released on the streets of Kuwait City (as some of these were).
Our newest residents on their way to freedom at ADIWS were either abandoned, surrendered, or confiscated. We are grateful to the Kuwait Zoo and officials caring for these lions and helping us to relocate them. Also, a huge thanks to Qatar Airways, who are donating the flight as part of their WeQare programme.
Tim and I will be flying to Kuwait next weekend to build the ADI travel crates and make final arrangements before the flight. Dr Peter Caldwell will join us to do their physical examination and travel with the lions – Tim and I will bring you regular updates from Kuwait and during the flight.
DON’T FORGET – these precious lions need your support – they are young, and each could enjoy 20 years at the ADIWS – a combined 120 years in ADI care! Can you adopt one or more of them, support and follow them for life? We urgently need to cover their long term living costs. Can you help?
We have made our commitment, we’ll do whatever it takes to bring them home to their native land, but we must raise more funds for their lifelong care – so we can always provide aid to other animals in trouble.
Jan Creamer 