(The Post News)– In a heartwarming endeavour to restore the natural habitat of its wildlife, two lion cubs, Yoda and Ysis, have been flown back to South Africa after being rescued from exploitation in the European entertainment industry. The young lions’ arduous journey, spanning five years, has finally come to an end, thanks to the tireless efforts of the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation and its partners.
Yoda and Ysis’ story began in 2020 when they were rescued by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, which translates to the 30 Million Friends Foundation. The two lion cubs were victims of animal rights abuses and exploitation, having been used in music videos in Europe. After their rescue, they were nurtured and rehabilitated by the dedicated caretakers at the Tonga Terre d’Accueil association, residing at the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine Zoological Park in France.
On March 4, 2025, Yoda and Ysis embarked on the final leg of their journey, flying from Lyon to Paris and then aboard Air France flight AF 990 to Johannesburg. The flight was funded by the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, which has been instrumental in the lion cubs’ rehabilitation and repatriation.
Upon arrival in South Africa, Yoda and Ysis were taken to the SanWild wildlife rehabilitation centre and reserve, located in the Limpopo province. The 5,000 ha reserve is near the western boundary of the Kruger National Park and provides a safe and natural environment for the lion cubs to thrive.
Under the care of the SanWild team, Yoda and Ysis will initially live in semi-freedom, allowing them to gradually readapt to their natural environment. The SanWild team will provide the necessary care and support to ensure the lion cubs’ successful rehabilitation and eventual release into the wild.
Yoda and Ysis’ repatriation is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of protecting wildlife. The 30 million d’Amis Foundation, Air France-KLM, and SanWild have all played a crucial role in giving these two lion cubs a second chance at life.
As Yoda and Ysis settle into their new home, they serve as a reminder of the impact that human actions can have on wildlife. Their story is a heartwarming one, filled with hope and resilience. As they begin their new life in South Africa, we can only hope that their story will inspire others to take action in protecting our planet’s precious wildlife.
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