Two lions experience life outside a cage for the first time in eight years

Lion brothers Jora and Black were relocated thanks to Born Free

After years performing in a Bulgarian circus, brothers Jora and Black got to experience a real magical moment following a 10,500-mile journey to Africa, where the lions got to experience freedom and their natural habitat for the first time. 

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Bulgaria banned animal shows last year, which led to the eight-year-old lion brothers to be kept in a crowded beast wagon. 

Jora and Black had spent the most of their lives performing with a Bulgarian troupe around Eastern Europe and Turkey. Now, they are in the care of Born Free Jean Byrd Education and Rescue Centre at the Shamwari Game Reserve located near Port Elizabeth and both enjoy the natural habitat from which they were taken.

The two were flown as VIPs to South Africa, 10,500 miles away from their circus imprisonment. The two met the actress and Born Free co-founder Virginia McKenna at London's Gatwick Airport, flown by Thomson Airways. 

"I hope their story will inspire people to treat wild animals with respect and understanding, and never subject them to totally inappropriate existences in captivity. Jora and Black are flagship animals for the ending of all wild animals in circuses. Let all countries follow Bulgaria's example," she said.

The brothers continued their travels to Johannesburg International Airport from London. When they reached Africa, they met Coronation Street actress Helen Worth who gave them a good farewell. The actress had been watching the case closely. Worth expressed her excitement and happiness for Jora and Black on the life they are bound to have now that they have reunited with nature.
 

Dr. Johan Joubert, Shamwari Group Head of Wildlife and Veterinarian, also expressed his delight in getting to know the lions as he accompanied them in their journey back home.

"These animals have travelled well and show every sign of settling in and re-establishing some of their natural behavior," said the veterinarian.

For more information on how Jora and Black are doing, please visit the Born Free website.

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