A new home for Saeed and Simba, rescued from war-torn Iraq and Syria
Two lions hailing from a war-ravaged part of the Middle East have been given a new, permanent home in Bethlehem in the Free State.
Four Paws International rescued the two animals from Iraq and Syria.
Saeed and Simba were making their way to their new living quarters, Lions Rock in the Free State, on Monday morning.
Four Paws International says the lions were emaciated, dehydrated and psychologically scarred from the exposure to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
According to organisation, most animals cared for in zoos in conflict-stricken Syria and Iraq have died.
Country director, Fiona Miles, says they are relieved that the final leg of the mission is drawing to a close after years of negotiations.
She says the lions have been rehabilitated but won't be released into an uncontrolled environment.
"Lions Rock is a sanctuary for big cats. These animals can never go back into the wild but the idea is that we provide them with very large areas that immolate as close as possible a natural habitat would be. They are dependent on people for care."
Mills is confident that they will adapt well and will soon find a new family.