Abused lions get new home in SA
2006-11-03 20:40
Johannesburg - Three circus lions reportedly abused and tortured by a British circus group, arrived in South Africa as part of a rescue mission organised by the British-based Born Free Foundation, it was reported on Friday.
The animals - two 15-year-olds and a 12-year lion - were in good physical shape but had psychological problems as a result of beatings by keepers from a British circus group during circus performances over a period of eight years, the newspaper said.
The company from which the animals were rescued, had handed the three over willingly and would not face prosecution, Born Free Foundation co-ordinator Tricia Holford was quoted as saying.
The animals made a 72-hour sea and air journey to their new home, the Shamwari Game Reserve in the country's Eastern Cape Province.
A vet at the reserve told The Star that the three - named Djuka, Nalla and Shada - had at least 20 more years to live.
- SAPA