Lion cubs find new home in South African shelter, drawing attention to illegal wildlife trade

Two lion cubs, Ben Tzur and Uri, rescued from illegal trafficking in Israel last year, have been transferred to a South African sanctuary, drawing attention to the issue of wildlife trafficking. The lions arrived at the Animal Defenders International sanctuary in a 30-hour journey via Germany, marking the first step in their new life.

Ben Tzur, the largest cub, was found tied to a tree, while Uri, the youngest, was discovered in poor health by Kafr Qassem police. Both were initially housed at Hai Park in Kiryat Motzkin before their final relocation.

The transfer, announced by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA), highlighted the urgent need to address the problem of illegal wildlife trade. Ben Rosenberg, director of the Wildlife Protection Division at INPA, emphasized that the case is just a small portion of the larger issue, noting that over 560 wild animals were illegally traded in Israel alone in 2025. These included not only lions but also a variety of reptiles, monkeys, birds, and marine wildlife.

Shai Peretz, chief prosecutor at INPA, underscored the criminal nature of the trade, stating that it is not merely a threat to the animals but also a lucrative business for criminal networks. She pointed out that the Money Laundering Prohibition Law and other relevant laws provide tools to target the financial infrastructure of these criminal elements. Peretz's comments underscored the necessity of a comprehensive approach to combat wildlife trafficking, targeting both the animals and the criminal networks behind it.