Qatar Airways Cargo partners with ADI to transport six rescued lions from Kuwait to South Africa under its WeQare initiative.
Qatar Airways Cargo has once again joined forces with Animal Defenders International (ADI) to transport six young lions to Africa after their rescue from the illegal wildlife trade. This operation is part of Qatar Airways Cargo’s WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative.
The lions, referred to as the “Kuwait 6,” were flown from Kuwait to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. From there, they were transported to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. The group includes four male lions and two female lions, all of whom were either seized or captured after being abandoned and cared for at Kuwait Zoo.
Kuwaiti government officials contacted ADI to assist in rehoming the lions. ADI subsequently offered them a new home at its 455-acre sanctuary, providing a safe and expansive environment for the animals.
Mark Drusch, chief officer of cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, expressed pride in supporting ADI once more. “We are proud to once again be supporting ADI, this time in bringing these six beautiful lions home to Africa. Our WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative is our commitment to returning wildlife and endangered species back to their natural habitat, free of charge,” Drusch said. He acknowledged the logistical challenges involved in transporting such large animals, from coordinating airport logistics to ensuring proper cages and the animals’ well-being.
Jan Creamer, ADI president, highlighted the significance of this mission. “The Kuwait six lions have their whole lives ahead of them and will have acres of space at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. We are thankful to Qatar Airways Cargo and their WeQare program for once again supporting us by covering the cost of air transport back to Africa. We are also very thankful to the ADI supporters who are helping to fund their care,” Creamer stated.
Qatar Airways Cargo, which transported over 550,000 animals in 2023, recently opened a new air cargo animal facility at its Doha hub. The airline’s WeQare sustainability program includes chapters focusing on environment, society, economy, and culture, underscoring its commitment to responsible animal transport and conservation efforts.
