Trafficked lions Yoda and Ysis repatriated to Limpopo

Two trafficked lions, Yoda and Ysis, have been successfully repatriated to South Africa after years of rehabilitation in France.

The lions, victims of animal exploitation in Europe and once exploited for use in music videos, were rescued in 2020 by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation (30 Million Friends Foundation), Air France-KLM announced.

They were cared for by the Tonga Terre d’Accueil refuge for wild animals at the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine Zoological Park.

Genetic tests have confirmed they are siblings, a bond that has been evident since they were rescued.

Their journey home began with a flight from Lyon to Paris, followed by Air France flight AF 990 from Paris to Johannesburg. 

Fully funded by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, they arrived in South Africa on March 4 and are settling into their new home at the SanWild Sanctuary Wildlife Trust after spending the past five years in care.

Located in Limpopo, just a few kilometres south of Leydsdorp and near the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, SanWild is a 5,000ha wildlife rehabilitation centre and reserve.