In November 2019, Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels helped to relocate five lion cubs from appalling conditions in Ukraine to thein the Groot Marico area of the North West Province. The sanctuary became home to the cubs for a year and a half after their arrival in South Africa in late 2019.
Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary’s founder, Jurg Olsen had been taking in captive wildlife for several years providing refuge to twelve lions and two tigers. Last year, the landowners notified Olsen of their intention to restart their private hunting business on their land and this meant that Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary would have to relocate.Wildlife supporter, André De Goede, heard about the predicament facing Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary and purchased 1650 hectares of land in the Western Cape and donated the land to Ubuntu Wildlife, as a sanctuary for its rescue animals. It is intended that the reserve will provide a permanent home for rescued animals from all parts of the world.
As Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary operates as a non-profit organisation it did not have sufficient funds to cover the cost of moving the five rescue lion cubs, seven other lions and two tigers from North West province to the Western Cape.
Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels came on board again and stepped in to help raise awareness and funding for the operation. Funds were raised through donations from sponsors. This covered the costs of transporting the animals to their new home. On 23 May the relocation got underway. The 12 lions and two tigers at Ubuntu Wildlife Sanctuary in the North West province would finally head to their new premises between Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.
One by one, the lions and tigers were darted, injected with vital medications, put into their crates and loaded onto vehicles and trailers. A convoy consisting of 16 vehicles began the 20-hour journey to Oudtshoorn and arrived on 24 May at their new sanctuary in the Western Cape. One by one, the crates were lifted off the vehicles and carried to the various camps before each animal was released into its new home.
Last to be released were the 5 lions from Ukraine who have become a close-knit family. Together Sahara, Maya, Mia, Macy and Mufasa explored their new home!
