In November 2023, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS evacuated 48 wild animals from the conflict zone in Sudan’s capital Khartoum. The team returned in January for the emergency rescue of some of the animals, after fighting broke out in the designated safe area near Wad Madani, the animals were evacuated to. On 16^th February, eleven lions were transferred to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. The lions spent nine months surrounded by the tragedies of war. They are traumatised, weak, emaciated, and prone to injury. They have responded positively to the treatment and care they received in the last weeks. At LIONSROCK, they will receive specialised care tailored to their needs and finally be able to recover.

After a FOUR PAWS team experienced in working in conflict zones safely brought the lions out of Sudan in January, they have been receiving treatments at Al Ma’wa for Nature and Wildlife, a cooperation project of FOUR PAWS in Jordan. Due to their critical health conditions and urgent need for treatment and monitoring, the other rescued animals – three lions, four hyenas and a serval – found a long-term home there. The other animals evacuated in November could be released back into the wild, including deer and birds.

Once all logistics and papers were ready, the lions were able to be transferred to South Africa via cargo flight. The team at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary prepared four interconnected enclosures for the big group of new arrivals which will allow their monitoring and grouping according to their gender and behaviour. All FOUR PAWS sanctuaries have a strict no-breeding policy, therefore the male lions will be vasectomised as soon as possible. The priority for the team now is to ensure that the lions are able recover in their new home.