A lion cub named Sara, rescued from war-torn Lebanon, has been relocated to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. The operation was spearheaded by Animals Lebanon, an animal welfare organization, amidst escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Sara was saved from a Lebanese social media influencer who used her as a prop for TikTok videos. When rescued in September, she had scars, ringworm, and was living in unsuitable conditions. Following a court order, Animals Lebanon took custody of the 4-month-old cub, providing care in a Beirut apartment until arrangements for her relocation were made.
The rescue operation involved a covert yacht transfer to Cyprus, followed by flights to Dubai and Cape Town. Sara is now at the Drakenstein Lion Park, where she will live in a spacious enclosure with other lions.
Since its founding in 2008, Animals Lebanon has rescued and rehomed 25 big cats and other animals globally. Co-founder Jason Meier emphasized that their work, while focused on animals, also supports displaced communities by caring for pets abandoned during the conflict.
Sara’s story highlights the plight of exotic animals in Lebanon, where owning lions and tigers is illegal but remains common. The organization continues its efforts, planning to relocate more rescued animals to international sanctuaries.
