Two Illegal Lion Cubs Seized in Israel Relocated to South African Sanctuary

Two male lion cubs named "Ben-Tzur" and "Ori," seized in Israel last year as part of efforts against illegal wildlife trafficking, have been transferred to a large sanctuary for big cats in South Africa. The cubs were among six lion cubs found in 2025 after being illegally traded and smuggled into Israel. Ben-Tzur was discovered tied to a tree in the Palestinian Authority area and brought to Hai Park in Motzkin, while Ori was found in poor health by Kafr Qasim police. Both were cared for at Hai Park, which renovated a special enclosure for them.

Due to concerns about housing multiple males together, the two males were separated from three females and another male and prepared for relocation. After months of acclimatization to transport crates, the lions were flown via Germany and arrived at the ADI sanctuary in South Africa, where they were released into a spacious new habitat. Ori was named in memory of Staff Sergeant Ori Jerbi, who was killed in Gaza in early 2024; his parents attended the lions' farewell in Israel.

Officials from Israel Nature and Parks Authority praised the cooperation with the sanctuary but emphasized that illegal wildlife trade remains a serious and lucrative crime threatening many species annually. In 2025 alone, over 560 illegally traded wild animals were seized, including reptiles, monkeys, birds, and marine species. The authority highlighted recent legal amendments enhancing enforcement tools against wildlife trafficking networks, including criminal organizations profiting from this trade. The new measures aim to target not only the trafficked animals but also the financial infrastructure behind these crimes, marking a significant shift in combating environmental crime in Israel.