Lions, tigers rescued from circuses moved to SAfrican sanctuary

The animals, both cubs and adults, are among 200 that have been rescued from the circus industry in Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia and Colombia since 2018.

Winburg: Twelve tigers and five lions have been relocated to a sanctuary in South Africa.

These animals were rescued from circuses in Guatemala following years of abuse and confinement.

The lions and tigers were transported in chartered aircraft to South Africa, and were later carried to the sanctuary in large trucks. They were released into their new habitat soon after their arrival.

The animals, both cubs and adults, are among 200 that have been rescued from the circus industry in Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia and Colombia since 2018.

According to the Animal Defenders International, they were kept at a vehicle scrapyard in Guatemala for years and physically abused to make them submissive.

The countries have banned the use of animals in circuses. Enforcement of the law in Guatemala has been a challenge, so the government has partnered with animal rights groups such as the London-based Animal Defenders International to help.