The lion is a beast of great power and tenacity. From time and place across human history lions have been a symbol of great nobility, embodying strength and striking fear into the hearts of of anyone who stands against it. Few humans would dare approach one of these creatures, fewer still would knowingly harm them.
But there are savages out there who would imprison, beat, starve, and humiliate as many of these big cats as they can get their hands on. And that’s exactly what they did:
Thirty-two lions were rescued from illegal circuses throughout Peru and Columbia on September 1st of this year. They were retrieved from utterly horrifying circumstances: they’d been refused a proper diet and any medical treatment. The lions were mutilated so they couldn’t resist against their captors – teeth smashed and nails ripped out. Effectively beating their swords into plowshares. Not that it mattered anyway, these lions didn’t have the energy to attack anyone in the first place. The compartments they were confined to were known as the “Beastwagons.”
Forced to sleep and eat in this tiny living quarters, despicable conditions and with no space to grow or stretch their legs, the lions became unhealthy. But of course, they were refused proper medical treatment. One lion, Joseph, lost vision in his right eye and many other lions had similar health issues.
This rescue operation came at the hands of ADI’s “Operation Spirit of Freedom” campaign. They have rescued more than 90 such animals from similar conditions in the last few years. The lions rescued from Peru and Columbia will be brought back to Africa to spend the rest of their days in their natural habitat, basking in the sun and hopefully recovering from years of abuse.