Lions traumatized by Sudan war find safe haven in South Africa sanctuary

As the war in Sudan rages on for the 10th month creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, animals are also feeling the brunt of the violent fighting — and some organizations are actively working to move them to safety.

Four Paws, a global animal welfare organization, announced this week the successful transfer of 11 lions from Sudan to South Africa.

In a press release published on Monday, the organization said the wild animals were first taken last November to a sanctuary that it runs in Jordan before settling in their permanent home at the LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa on Feb. 16.

“The lions spent nine months surrounded by the tragedies of war. They are traumatized, weak, emaciated and prone to injury,” Four Paws said in the statement.