Air France-KLM has announced the successful repatriation of two lion cubs, Yoda and Ysis, to South Africa.

Victims of animal rights abuse in Europe and once exploited for use in music videos, the two lions were rescued in 2020 by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation (30 Million Friends Foundation) and cared for by the Tonga Terre d’Accueil association at the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine Zoological Park.

The journey home for Yoda and Ysis began with a flight from Lyon to Paris, followed by Air France flight AF990 from Paris to Johannesburg. Fully funded by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, the lions arrived in South Africa on March 4 and are settling into their new home.

After spending the past five years in care, Yoda and Ysis begin a new chapter at the SanWild Sanctuary Wildlife Trust. Located in Limpopo, just a few kilometres south of Leydsdorp and near the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, SanWild is a 5 000-hectare wildlife rehabilitation centre and reserve.

Under the care of the SanWild team and as part of The Roar Project led by Alexandre Blanchon, the lions will initially live in semi-freedom, allowing them to gradually re-adapt to their natural environment.