2 lions, freed from circuses, are poached in South Africa
2 lions, freed from circuses, are poached in South Africa
Associated Press Sunday, June 04, 2017
FILE -- In this Sunday, May 1, 2016 file photo, former circus lions inside an enclosure at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in Vaalwater, South Africa, after 33 rescued lions from various circuses in Peru and Colombia were relocated to live out the rest of their lives in the private sanctuary. Conservationists say poachers have killed two of the 33 lions that were in the sanctuary north of Johannesburg, it was reported Sunday, June 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File)
JOHANNESBURG — In 2016, 33 lions freed from circuses in Peru and Colombia were transported to South Africa to live out their days in a wildlife refuge. Last week, poachers broke into the sanctuary, killing two of the big cats.
The killing of the male lions named José and Liso occurred at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary, which had portrayed the lion airlift as a compassionate gesture that alleviated the suffering of animals held in cages and subjected to beatings and other mistreatment. The incursion highlighted how brazen poachers can infiltrate places like Emoya, which said it has 24-hour security and armed patrols and has taken additional measures to protect its property in Vaalwater, in northern South Africa.
Forensic experts have visited the sanctuary, which is currently closed to visitors and volunteers.
South African police and anti-poaching units are investigating, said Animal Defenders International, a group that worked on the lion transfer from South America. The group said it is considering the offer of a reward for information leading to conviction, and that the other lions might even be evacuated pending security upgrades.
More:
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/international/2017/06/2_lions_freed_from_circuses_are_poached_in_south_africa
LBN:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10141791426
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