Rescued Circus Lions Fly to Freedom with Qatar Airways Cargo

Two former circus lions are finally catching their flight to freedom—and it’s first-class all the way to the wild.

After spending over a decade confined to a tiny cage on a touring truck in France, Goliath and Coralie are heading to South Africa to live out their days under the sun, grass under paw. Their journey is being made possible by Qatar Airways Cargo, which is covering the cost of their flight as part of its WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative.

On May 20, the big cats will leave Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport aboard a Qatar Airways Cargo freighter, stopover in Doha, and land in Johannesburg on May 21. Their final destination? A spacious new home at the Animal Defenders International Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS) in South Africa’s Free State.

“We’re proud to support ADI again in bringing these two beautiful lions home,” said Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo. “Moving animals of this size and stature is no small feat… but it’s a mission we’re passionate about.”

Goliath (11) and Coralie (13) were rescued after France’s Free Life Association filed a complaint against Cirque Ideal, where the lions had spent years in bleak, restrictive conditions. Despite attempts by the circus to dodge authorities, both lions were seized under France’s new wild animal circus ban, which becomes law in 2028.

After a temporary stay at Tonga Terre d’Accueil, a shelter near St. Etienne, the duo was taken under the wing of Animal Defenders International (ADI)—a global organization known for rescuing big cats and other wildlife from abusive captivity across South America and beyond.

At the ADI sanctuary, Goliath and Coralie will finally have room to roam in a natural environment—with access to up to eight-acre enclosures, shade, grass, and the chance to just… be lions.

“Goliath and Coralie have endured a lifetime of suffering, trapped in barren cages with no freedom, no space to move, and no consideration for their wellbeing,” said ADI President Jan Creamer. “Now, they’ll finally enjoy the sights and sounds of Africa, where they can stretch out in the sun, chase wildlife, and simply be lions.”

Even with Qatar Airways Cargo generously footing the travel bill, ADI is still raising funds to cover the lions’ long-term care and habitat construction.

“This mission will transform their lives,” Creamer added. “But we still need help to ensure Goliath and Coralie can live the rest of their days in peace and dignity.”