Another goodbye...

In the very early hours of the 23rd of June we met at the New Hope Centre to load and bid a final farewell to Seeta, Saba and the three spotted African Hyenas who would be travelling home to Lionsrock South Africa. It was very bittersweet, as this time we would be saying goodbye from Amman as none of us would be travelling with them. However we couldn't be happier as we knew that they were going to the best possible place!

All the animals, except for Saba, were darted and loaded into the crates...

Saba calmly went into his crate as if knowing, though the journey may be long, he was off to a better place and sat waiting patiently to be loaded onto the vehicle on the first leg of his trip home.

The hyenas started to wake up before we loaded them and we were very pleased they remained calm throughout the whole ordeal!

Our friends at Aramex had come to our rescue yet again and sponsored the trip. Without them this would not have been possible and we were very proud to have them on board as our partners.

We loaded the crates into the vehicles, and after a last check of water, locks and the like we said our final goodbyes.

Each minute of the day and that night felt like an eternity as we waited for news of their safe arrival to South Africa. Finally at 1:00pm on the afternoon of the 24th we got word that they had arrived and all were well and safe! Pictures quickly thereafter...

En Route to Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary amid the World Cup mahem!

Seeta takes her first steps into her new enclosure.

She settles in well next to her future companion Simba!

The Hyenas waste no time stepping out of the confines of their crates into the freedom of their new home.

As for Saba; he was given a warm welcome by Hope, Arandas, Muhawish, Khawla and Amra (although Khawla did try to show him who the boss is!)

This is Arandas saying hello to Saba. They will be together on Monday 28th June, as they are still getting used to each other!

Although we are reminded every day of those who left us as we pass the empty enclosures at New Hope, however we are filled with joy and emense gratitude knowing that they are safe and free at Lionsrock.