On 25APR24 and on behalf of FOUR PAWS both in the Netherlands and South Africa, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo carried a very special cargo this time consisting of two lions, Vasylyna and Nikola. Last week, it had transported three Koalas. Both majestic cats had been illegally held as pets in their home countries. The lioness Vasylyna had originally broken free of her house in Ukraine, roaming the streets of a village near Kharkiv as war carried on around her and until she was caught. She was kept in a Ukrainian temporary wildlife shelter before being taken to the FELIDA big cat sanctuary in the Netherlands on 07JUN24. Nikola, on the other hand, was roaming wild in Budva, Adriatic coast, before he also was caught and taken to the safe heaven of FELIDA. FELIDA is a specialized sanctuary for big cats run by the animal welfare organization, FOUR PAWS in Friesland, the Netherlands. The desired destination for those two cats: LIONSROCK’s large, 1250-hectare sanctuary in South Africa
Vasylyna and Nikola’s journey began on 25APR24, when they were carefully loaded onto a Martinair Cargo 747 freighter aircraft. Leaving FELIDA* (* the specialized sanctuary for big cats run by animal welfare organization, FOUR PAWS, in Friesland, the Netherlands, to LIONSROCK, an expansive 1250-hectare sanctuary managed by the same organization in South Africa.
Mirjam Scherer, Global Head of Specials Logistics at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, commented: “At our animal hotel at Schiphol, we prioritize dedication to providing the best care for our animal passengers. We ensure the highest level of attention and care for every animal under our care, from the moment of arrival to departure. Our team of seasoned professionals is ready to deliver the best service and care, including special diets, administering medication, and, of course, plenty of love and attention. We strive to ensure that every animal with us is happy, healthy, and well-cared for.” Petra Sleven, Director of FOUR PAWS, said: “The relocation of Vasylyna and Nikola to LIONSROCK means they finally have the opportunity to live in a large sanctuary, surrounded by other lions. While it’s saddening that they never had the chance to be released into the wild due to illegal trade, we are glad to offer them a more natural life here.”
