5 lion cubs brought to South Africa from the Ukraine get a real chance to thrive after their sanctuary is forced to move locations.
North West, South Africa (17 May 2021) – An appeal for help with 5 neglected lion cubs in the Ukraine was answered by the Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels back in 2019. Today the grown cubs are heading to a new home in the Western Cape.
In November 2019, Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels helped to relocate five lion cubs, rescued from captivity in appalling conditions in the Ukraine, to the Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary in the North West. Founder Jurg Olsen has been taking in captive wildlife for some time, and the sanctuary was home to seven lions and two tigers.
Ubuntu means “I am because you are”. This is exactly the spirit of the Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary in the North West province, which exists to create a safe space and second chance for wildlife saved from captivity all over the world.
Under the care of Jurg Olsen and the Ubuntu team, the Ukraine 5 have regained their strength and spirit, have grown and are thriving in their new environment.
The Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary has been leasing its land. Last year, they were notified that the land owners intended to relaunch their private hunting business and wanted access to the land again. Unfortunately, this meant the sanctuary would need to move.
Thankfully, they were able to find a safe haven in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape. An investor bought a 1650 hectare parcel of land, donating its use to the sanctuary.
The land borders a Cape Nature Reserve, which makes it a perfect permanent home for a wildlife sanctuary. Construction of the camps for the lions and tigers has been completed – and the final hurdle is the Great Trek from Groot Marico to Oudshoorn.
The sanctuary operates as a non-profit and needed a helping hand to get the rescued lion cubs, the seven other lions and two tigers from North West to Western Cape. Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels decided to help Jurg once again but rallying sponsors to cover the costs of transporting the animals to their new home.
Marius Botha from UNIWISP, Nelspruit – Sponsored R20 000 plus the transport, drivers and diesel needed for the move.
In order to move wild animals, one requires specialised vehicles, road permits and special insurance to make the move. It was not a simple process so having Marius come on board to help was a massive relief.
Jurg is devastated that the land he once knew as a refuge for captive lions would be aiding in the extortion of the beautiful species.
It’s impossible to not be in awe of an African Lion – the king of the wild. However, for many years, authorities in South Africa and her neighbours have been criticised for not doing enough to preserve and protect one of the continent’s most treasured natural gifts – even worse, for allowing the abuse of lions and other wildlife through canned hunting and farming. In a leap towards banning these practices, the South African Cabinet earlier this month endorsed a report calling for the end of captive lion hunting, lion farming, cub-petting, and the commercial farming of rhinos.
There is still a long road ahead for this to become law, but those in the know see this as a very positive move to restore the dignity and balance in the wildlife and hunting sector. Environment Minister Barbara Creecy believes that implementing the recommendations of the report would result in the protection and enhancement of South Africa’s international reputation, repositioning the country as a competitive destination of choice for ecotourism and responsible hunting.
Take a look at Jurg’s reaction to hearing his lions would remain safe and moved to their new home.