Lyons Vasilina and Nicola embarked on a mission trip on April 25, boarding a Martinair Cargo 747 to South Africa.
This remarkable journey marks a new chapter in the lives of these majestic creatures, who are now on their way from FELIDA, the specialized sanctuary for big cats run by the animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS in Friesland, Netherlands, to LIONSROCK, a vast area of 1,250 hectares. A sanctuary run by the same organization in South Africa.
Read: Officially: SAS joins SkyTeam
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is proud to play an important role in and benefit from this journey
Its extensive experience in transporting wild animals. The airline boasts a dedicated animal hotel at KLM’s cargo facilities in Schiphol and expert staff who carefully oversee the animals’ care throughout the flight.
“At our animal hotel in Schiphol, we prioritize dedication to providing the best care for our animals
Animal passengers. We guarantee the highest level of attention and care for every animal in our care, from the moment of arrival until departure. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to provide the best service and care, including special diets, medication management, and of course lots of love and attention. “We strive to ensure that every animal with us is happy, healthy and well cared for,” said Myriam Scherer, Global Head of Special Logistics at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo.
Vasilina and Nicola share remarkably similar backgrounds. The lioness Vasilina arrived
Big Cat Sanctuary on June 7th. Originally kept as a pet in Ukraine, it managed to escape and wander the war-damaged streets of a village near Kharkiv before being captured and taken to a temporary wildlife refuge in Ukraine. Due to the wartime situation and lack of adequate care and space, it was quickly transferred to the Netherlands.
Read: AFKLMP Cargo transports three koalas to the Netherlands
Nicola’s journey to FOUR PAWS’ specialist shelter began after she was rescued
Of illegal private possession in Montenegro. In February 2022, he was found and
Confiscated by local authorities.
After ten days wandering the streets near Budva on the Adriatic coast, he was exhausted and malnourished, and was taken to the FELIDA safe haven.
“Relocating Vasilina and Nicola to LIONSROCK means they finally have the chance to live in a large sanctuary, surrounded by other lions. While it is sad that they never had the opportunity to be released into the wild due to the illegal trade,” said Petra Slevin, director of FOUR PAWS. However, we are happy to provide them with a more normal life here.”
