The first leg...

Thursday the 8th of April 2010 is a day we will remember for many years to come; it was the day we said goodbye to our precious lion cubs and serval. They are on their way home...

8:00am we met at the New Hope Centre to start loading our precious cargo into their crates for their journey home. The first in was Hope who, although a little confused about what was going on, graciously obliged! Next were the cubs, Arandas, Muhawish, Amra and Khawla who with a fair bit of spitting and running around were safely loaded too. Finally it was Cleopatra's turn who, despite all the commotion, remained true to her form and took everything in her stride.

Once the crates were loaded onto the transport vehicle I climbed inside and tried to assure them all that although it would be a long trip it would be worth it in the end!

As we watched the truck pull out we all said a silent prayer that they would reach their destination safely. We turned back to the empty enclosures with a feeling of sadness but also true hope as they were finally heading home...

None of this would have been possible were it not for the support of ARAMEX who have very graciously sponsored the transport of these magnificent animals back to where they really belong. To ARAMEX we will be eternally grateful.