Thank you to everyone who responded to our emergency appeal to evacuate two white lions from Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary after it was devastated by a wildfire. I knew you would come through; our team was already on the way, and after a return journey of over 15 hours, the lions arrived at ADI Wildlife Sanctuary at 4am. Lei-ah and Elsa were clearly traumatised by their terrifying ordeal, but are already settling in.

Here is the story of the operation to bring them home….

Lei-ah and Elsa will now stay at ADIWS for as long as it takes for Panthera to rebuild, which could be many months, or even a year or more.  ADI plans to help Panthera with other animals during this crisis.

This is going to change some of our plans and may mean we need to build additional habitats for rescues we have planned – so we are continuing to appeal for funds to cover this. But when you neighbour’s house is on fire, you just help as quickly as you can.

Both lions have only partial sight and we will be assessing their vision to see what adaptations may be needed to their habitat, such as around gates/doorways. They currently have access to a feeding camp of roughly 7,000 square feet and to a 2.5-acre habitat once they are moving around with confidence.

White lions, like Lei-ah and Elsa, are the result of a genetic mutation, like albinism. Tragically this mutation is exploited by constant in-breeding for pet sales, with cruel and disastrous effects including deafness, partial or complete blindness and other health problems.

Thank you to everyone who supported this important life-saving mission at short notice. We are well on the way to our initial target, but will continue to raise funds for veterinary treatment, longer term care and potential habitat adaptations. We are also raising funds to build new habitats for the next rescues, which will be the final 7 from Guatemala. 

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