Rescued lion cubs find new home in South Africa, highlighting illegal wildlife trade

Two lion cubs, Ben Tzur and Uri, who were rescued from illegal trafficking in Israel, have found a new home at a big-cat sanctuary in South Africa.

The cubs arrived at the Animal Defenders International (ADI) sanctuary on Tuesday after a lengthy journey involving a stopover in Germany. They were released into their new enclosure on Wednesday, marking a significant step in their rehabilitation.

“

The captured lion cubs have indeed captured public attention due to their unusualness, but they are only the tip of the iceberg of the disturbing criminal phenomenon.

Ben Tzur and Uri were among six lion cubs rescued in 2025 after being illegally smuggled into Israel. They were discovered in areas under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority. Ben Tzur, the larger of the two, was found tied to a tree, while Uri, the youngest, was found in poor health by police. Both were temporarily housed at Hai Park in Kiryat Motzkin before their relocation.

“

In 2025 alone, more than 560 wild animals were captured that were illegally traded, and some of them were illegally smuggled, among them many reptiles, monkeys, birds, marine wildlife and more.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) highlighted the case as an example of the broader issue of illegal wildlife trafficking. Ben Rosenberg, director of the INPA's Wildlife Protection Division, stated that the rescued cubs, while capturing public attention, represent only the "tip of the iceberg" of a "disturbing criminal phenomenon." In 2025 alone, over 560 wild animals were captured that were part of illegal trade or smuggling operations.

Shai Peretz, chief prosecutor at the INPA, described wildlife trafficking as a "cruel criminal phenomenon" and stressed that enforcement efforts must extend beyond protecting the animals to dismantling the criminal networks and financial interests driving the trade. Peretz noted that new legal tools, including provisions under the Money Laundering Prohibition Law, will help authorities disrupt the financial infrastructure supporting this illegal activity and target the criminal organizations involved.

“

The illegal trade in protected wildlife and protected natural values does not amount to harming the animals - it constitutes an economic engine for criminal elements, including criminal organizations and crime families, who derive enormous profits from this depraved trade.