Lions get a lifeline – thanks to Mazda

Four lions, almost near death, have been rescued from terrible living conditions in the Ukraine and brought to South Africa – all thanks to the Mazda Foundation Southern Africa

South African wildlife activist, Lionel de Lange, approached Jacaranda‘s Good Morning Angels show in 2019 to try to get sponsorship for the transport of lions from the Ukraine to South Africa. The Mazda Foundation Southern Africa stepped in to help by donating funds for the rescue and relocation to South Africa of five lion cubs in December 2019.

This year, with the assistance of the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organisation Ukraine (LAEO Ukraine) and Warriors of Wildlife, four more lions were given a new life. In addition to the funds donated for the air transport, the Mazda Foundation provided five BT-50 bakkies for the ground transport of the lions from O.R. Tambo International Airport to wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa.

Says Lionel de Lange, “To see the lions take their first steps on South African soil … there are no words to explain it. Thank you to the Mazda Foundation Southern Africa for its support to fly these lions to freedom and into their new home where they will live the rest of their lives.”

Craig Roberts, MD of Mazda Southern Africa and chairman of the Mazda Foundation Southern Africa, said: “Bringing these lions back to their natural habitat in South Africa is an incredible project in which to be involved. Mazda Southern Africa is a significant company in South Africa and has a responsibility to give something back to the country. The Mazda Foundation Southern Africa agreed to support this project to save these magnificent African animals from the canned hunting industry and give them a safe home.”

Founded in 2017, the Mazda Foundation Southern Africa is the principle vehicle through which Mazda Southern Africa and its dealer network can give back to the country through assistance in education and broader community support. For more info, go to www.mazda.co.za