In a heartwarming endeavour to restore the natural habitat of its wildlife, two lion cubs, Yoda and Ysis, were flown back to South Africa. These young lions, once victims of animal rights abuses and exploitation in the European entertainment industry, have been given a second chance at life after an arduous journey spanning five years.
Brought to safety in 2020 by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, which translates to the 30 Million Friends Foundation, Yoda and Ysis were nurtured and rehabilitated by the dedicated caretakers at the Tonga Terre d’Accueil association, residing at the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine Zoological Park in France. Their storied journey culminated in their return to their homeland on 4 March 2025, when they were flown from Lyon to Paris and then aboard Air France flight AF 990 to Johannesburg, all funded by the benevolent 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation.
Upon their arrival, the cubs embarked on a new chapter at the SanWild Sanctuary Wildlife Trust in Limpopo, just a stone's throw away from the iconic Kruger National Park. This sprawling 5,000-hectare wildlife rehabilitation centre will provide Yoda and Ysis a chance to acclimatise in semi-freedom, allowing them to gradually reconnect with their instinctive behaviours under the watchful eye of SanWild's expert team as part of The Roar Project spearheaded by Alexandre Blanchon.
This reunion is more than mere logistics; it is a heartening affirmation of the strong sibling bond that Yoda and Ysis share, which genetic tests have confirmed. Their journey exemplifies a collective commitment to wildlife conservation and the protection of animal rights, with the efforts of the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, Tonga Terre d’Accueil, The Roar Project, and Air France-KLM converging to combat the scourge of wildlife trafficking.
Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France-KLM, articulated the airline’s dedication to animal welfare, stating, "Air France is dedicated to ensuring that distressed wildlife is given the opportunity to return home. Repatriating Yoda and Ysis is a proud moment for us and reinforces South Africa’s reputation as a premier destination for wildlife rehabilitation. We are committed to transporting live animals safely and efficiently, and we believe that our efforts will help these lions begin a new life at SanWild Sanctuary."
The successful journey of Yoda and Ysis underscores the essential role that ethical transport plays in wildlife conservation. As they adjust to their new surroundings, their return also serves as a beacon of hope for other animals suffering from exploitation, highlighting the critical need for ongoing initiatives directed at animal welfare across the globe.