After a long journey, a young cub trafficked into Israel, has arrived safely at the Simbonga Game Reserve & Sanctuary in the Thornhill area of the Eastern Cape.
Ripped from his mother at far too young an age, smuggled into Israel, and sold multiple times on social media, this youngster has had an inhumane start in life.
Thankfully that is all over now and he can start adjusting to the security of his forever home at the lush and expansive game reserve.
Given the name Zion-Neev by those who assisted in his rescue, both names hold special meaning including courage, kindness, and hope for peace amongst humans and wildlife.
The rescue came about after clips of the cub began to appear on TikTok, the authorities were alerted, and following some excellent sleuth work, Zion-Neev was discovered in an apartment in the center of Israel. He was then safely transferred into the custody and care of the Nature & Parks Authority of Israel.
While being held at this place of safety, the indomitable team at Wildlife Warriors worked feverishly to organize his safe passage to Simbonga Game Reserve & Sanctuary.
Excitedly sharing pictures of the new resident, the team wrote on Social Media: “ Unfortunately, the illegal animal trade is thriving in all parts of the world. Luckily for Zion-Neev, the right people were able to save him from a terrible and uncertain future. We are so proud to be his home and we cannot wait to see him grow and become the brave, bold, and courageous lion he was born to be”.
“We cannot say thank you enough to everyone who made Zion-Neev’s journey possible. This beautiful boy has had a hard start to life; but more importantly, he’s had so many good people fighting for his future”. The Israel Nature & Parks Authority covered the costs of Zion-Neev’s flight to South Africa.
View this post on Instagram
Simbonga Game Reserve and Sanctuary is located 20 km outside the coastal town of Jeffrey's Bay. Accommodation is provided in luxury structure tents that are equipped for self-catering. Each tent is furnished with double and/or single beds. All tents feature braai facilities and en-suite bathrooms. Guided-only Sanctuary tours are done daily at designated times where you can “meet” the residents and hear their stories. ( NO interaction permitted with the animals) A hiking trail was recently opened on the reserve.
