High up in the Andes Mountains of Peru, two lion brothers named Simba and Rey lived in a tiny circus cage. Their early years were spent performing under bright lights, far from the life nature intended for them.
Then, Animal Defenders International (ADI) stepped in, determined to change its fate after several countries decided to stop using animals in circuses.
A Bold Rescue Operation
Despite laws against it, the circuses in Peru still kept using animals.
ADI tracked down every circus to save the animals, which led them to Simba and Rey.
Their rescue was tough, with a crowd of 50 or 60 people trying to stop the team, but ADI managed to save the lions.
A Flight Back to the Wild
After completing all the required paperwork over a couple of years, Simba and Rey, along with 31 other lions, were put on a special flight called the Spirit of Freedom.
They were treated with kindness and given snacks to keep them calm, just like passengers on a plane.
A New Start in Africa
When they landed in Africa, Simba and Rey knew they were home.
They eagerly explored their new surroundings, a world away from their old life in the circus.
“Every single lion roars as the sun’s going down and then again in the morning as the sun’s starting to rise,” says Jan Creamer from Animal Defenders International.
Strengthened Bonds
When Rey fell ill and was hospitalized for a month, he was separated from Simba. It was hard on both of them. But when they were brought back together, their joy was evident.
“One of the most joyous things I’ve ever seen was when we reunited those boys. Simba literally skipped with these bandy distorted arthritic legs,” Tim Phillips from Animal Defenders International said.
New Beginnings
The story of Simba and Rey reminds us of the strength and courage that animals show.
It’s a call to take care of our world and the animals we share it with.
Now, as they live freely in their sanctuary, their roars at the end of the day speak to the power of freedom and new beginnings.
