**Qatar Airways Cargo once again collaborated with Animal Defenders International (ADI) to transport six young lions, the “Kuwait 6,” from Kuwait Zoo to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in Johannesburg, South Africa. These lions were victims of the illegal wildlife trade and had been residing at Kuwait Zoo before ADI stepped in to offer them a sanctuary in their expansive 455-acre facility in South Africa.
Qatar Airways Cargo’s WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative, which provides complimentary transportation for organizations engaged in returning wildlife to their natural habitats, supported this operation. The airline, which transported over 550,000 animals in 2023, continues to advocate for animal welfare globally and ensures that its services positively contribute to the well-being of animals.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, expressed pride in their ongoing collaboration with ADI, particularly in assisting the return of these lions to their home continent. He emphasized the immense effort and coordination required from their team to facilitate the movement of such large animals, ensuring every aspect of their safety and well-being.
Jan Creamer, President of Animals Defenders International, acknowledged the significance of this opportunity for the Kuwait 6 lions, highlighting the vast space and natural habitat they will now enjoy at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. She expressed gratitude towards Qatar Airways Cargo and its WeQare program for covering the air transportation costs and to ADI supporters for contributing towards their ongoing care.
Alzahra Aljanabi, Senior Translator for Animal Welfare at the Public Authority of Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources in Kuwait, emphasized the risks associated with keeping wild animals as pets, stressing that they are predators and not suitable for domestic environments. She thanked the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary for their efforts in providing a better life for the lions and applauded Qatar Airways Cargo for their generous transportation support.
Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to animal welfare, as evidenced by their recent opening of a state-of-the-art Animal Centre and the relaunch of their Live product, which has set new standards in the transportation of live animals. Their sustainability program, WeQare, promotes ecological balance and positive social impact, further demonstrating their commitment to environmental and animal well-being.
