… as it demonstrated once more with a recent WeQare shipment. Again, Qatar Airways Cargo partnered with Animal Defenders International (ADI), this time to transport six young lions to Africa, as part of Chapter 2 – Rewild the Planet – of the airline’s WeQare sustainability program. Those lions had been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, and embarked on a long journey from Kuwait all the way to South Africa, where they were forwarded to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in Johannesburg.
Dubbed the “Kuwait 6” on account of having been retrieved from Kuwait Zoo, where they had been looked after following their capture/confiscation from illegal situations. Kuwait government officials had contacted Animal Defenders International (ADI) and requested ADI to assist in finding a solution for the animals. The four males: Muheeb, Saham, Shujaa, Saif; and two females Dhubiya and Aziza, were either seized or captured after being abandoned and cared for at Kuwait Zoo. Their new home was to become a 455-acre sanctuary in South Africa.
The airline is well-acquainted with transporting animals to the highest standards. It recently inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art Animal Center and relaunched its Live product. The center is the largest of its kind, and some 550,000 animals are flown each year.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, stated: “We are proud to once again be supporting ADI, this time in bringing these six beautiful lions home to Africa. Our WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative is our commitment to returning wildlife and endangered species back to their natural habitat, free of charge. It takes a lot of effort and logistics for our team to organize moving such large animals; from the logistics at the airports, loading and unloading the animals from the aircraft, to ensuring the correct cages and wellbeing of the animals are in place, but it is something we are all collectively very proud and passionate to be a part of.”
Jan Creamer, President, Animals Defenders International, said: “The Kuwait 6 lions have their whole lives ahead of them and will have acres of space at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. We are thankful to Qatar Airways Cargo and their WeQare program in once again supporting us by covering the cost of the air transport back to Africa. We are also very thankful to the ADI supporters who are helping to fund their care.”
