Lioness sisters Maggie and Sonja made an epic journey home to Africa on the inaugural Kenya Airways Dreamliner flight from London Heathrow via Nairobi to Johannesburg.
The two rescued circus cats were waved goodbye at the start of their 6,000 mile journey by singer celebrity and Born Free Patron, Peter Andre.
Maggie and Sonj will begin their new life at the Born Free Big Cat Rescue and Education Centre at Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa. The pair had endured terrible conditions in captivity until rescued by the German authorities.
Andre said “It really is a dream ticket for them. After being told how cruelly these beautiful animals had been treated whilst living with the circus, I am really delighted to get the chance to join the Born Free team at Heathrow.
“I was shocked to learn that circuses which use wild animals as part of their acts are still legal in many parts of Europe, including here in the UK, and I hope to be able to raise awareness of this issue and what organisations such as Born Free are doing to try and change things.”
Katrina Hanson, cargo manager Kenya Airways, said: “We are delighted to have our new Dreamliner operating out of London Heathrow but to have such special passengers on board makes this is a truly memorable flight.”
“We are thrilled to offer our services to carry this amazing, unique cargo. With the expertise of our support teams and our African network it is great we can logistically make this happen for Maggie and Sonja.”
Source : http://www.aircargonews.net/news/single-view/news/dreamliner-ticket-for-lionesses-maggie-and-sonja.html
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