This is the heartwarming moment two former circus lions experienced freedom for the very first time.
Eight-year-old brothers Jora and Black had spent most of their lives as stage acts for a Bulgarian troupe touring Eastern Europe and Turkey.
And when Bulgaria banned animal shows last year, they were were left to languish for months in a stifling beast wagon.
Sweet taste of freedom: Former circus lions Jora and Black take their first tentative steps in their natural habitat at a South African game reserve after spending almost their entire lives as stage acts in Europe
Free to roam: The pair will now be given lifetime care at the Born Free Jean Byrd Education and Rescue Centre at the Shamwari Game Reserve, near Port Elizabeth
Enjoying their new surroundings: The pair were finally rescued by wildlife charity Born Free earlier this year and, after a 10,500-mile VIP trip to South Africa, have now tasted their natural habitat for the first time
The pair’s epic journey began at a halfway house in central Bulgaria before being transported to Bourgas Airport on the Black Sea coast. They were then flown to London before taking a flight to South Africa
The pair were finally rescued by wildlife charity Born Free earlier this year and, after a 10,500-mile VIP trip to South Africa, have now tasted their natural habitat for the first time.
They will now be given lifetime care at the Born Free Jean Byrd Education and Rescue Centre at the Shamwari Game Reserve, near Port Elizabeth.
The pair’s epic journey began at a halfway house in central Bulgaria before being transported to Bourgas Airport on the Black Sea coast.
They were flown by Thomson Airways to London’s Gatwick Airport, where they were met by actress and Born Free co-founder, Virginia McKenna.
When Bulgaria banned animal shows, the lions were were left to languish for months in a beast wagon
Jora and Black have spent almost their entire lives behind bars after being taken in by a circus as cubs
She said: ‘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.’
Jora and Black were then taken to London’s Heathrow Airport for the longest leg of their journey – a flight to Johannesburg International Airport.
They were given a fond farewell by Coronation Street actress Helen Worth, who launched the successful appeal for their rescue in July and has been closely following their progress ever since.
After landing in Johannesburg, the brothers were driven in a convoy of vehicles to the Shamwari Game Reserve, where they took their first tentative steps on African soil
Shamwari Group Head of Wildlife, Dr Johan Joubert, who accompanied them on their journey, said: ‘I am delighted we have been able to take these animals and offer them a permanent home in the African bush’
Worth said: ‘It is so exciting to see Jora and Black on the move to their wonderful new home.
‘They are absolutely stunning animals and I feel really privileged to have had a chance to see them close up and on their way.’
After landing in Johannesburg, the brothers driven in a convoy of vehicles to the Shamwari Game Reserve, where they took their first tentative steps on African soil.
Shamwari Group Head of Wildlife and Veterinarian, Dr Johan Joubert, who accompanied them on their journey, said: ‘I am delighted we have been able to take these animals and offer them a permanent home in the African bush.
‘It is a stark contrast from the trucks in which they were first found.
‘These animals have travelled well and show every sign of settling in and re-establishing some of their natural behaviour.’