**25 retired circus lions have their "tickets" to freedom-8 more needed before April 29 (Friday)**
Help fly rescued circus lions to an African sanctuary. 
Chip in a few bucks if you can! And/or share with others who may be able to donate.
In late 2015, Animal Defenders International (ADI) rescued 24 African lions in Peru and 9 African lions in Colombia from illegal circuses where they were held in situations of extreme neglect and abuse. When they were rescued, the lions were starving, most of them had the tips of their toes cut off to remove their claws, and many had their teeth smashed. Luckily, under ADI's care, all 33 lions are recovering, but they still need a new home where they can live in peace.
Unfortunately, there are no sanctuaries in Latin America for these rescued lions, and these lions belong in Africa. That's why GreaterGood is teaming up with ADI to transport all 33 rescued lions to the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. A charter flight is the most economic, and a direct flight the least stressful way for the lions to travel to Africa. With your help, these 33 lions, who have never felt the sun on their backs or grass beneath their feet, will receive a well-deserved retirement in the African Bush.
We need your help to fund this life-changing journey, one lion at a time. Each lion needs 6900 hundred miles to get home, and just $7.25 covers 5 miles of the trip!
https://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/store/ars/item/76636/?utm_source=ars-ars_ths_trs_pets_disaster&utm_medium=ggo-email&utm-term=4262016&utm_content=main-html&utm_campaign=fly-lions-to-freedom&origin=ars_email_ggo_gtgm_flylionstofreedom_76636_042616
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On Deck: Iron the Lion
Location: Bucarmanga, Columbia
Favorite Activity: A long afternoon nap
Story: Following an investigation and awareness campaign by Animal Defenders International (ADI), Columbia banned wild animal circuses. Once circus immediately surrendered 9 lions to the regional wildlife authority in Bucramanga and handed over to ADI. The lions now wait in Columbia to fly to Lima, Peru where they will board the final plane to Africa! One of these lions being, Iron! Iron is always cool, calm and collected. He takes long afternoon naps where he runs in his sleep!
On Deck: Jose the Lion
Location: Lima, Peru
Favorite Activity: Playing with soccer balls
Story: Jose was seized from a circus with his best friend Liso by the Peruvian authorities and placed in a temporary facility in a zoo. They then handed them both over to Animal Defenders International (ADI). Jose was terrified of all people, and would be aggressive then hide from everyones sight. However, with the gentle loving care from ADI, Jose has found peace and now lazily cuddles with his best pal Liso.
Same here but I figure "every bit helps!"
every bit helps. I did a bit the first time I read about it, and then a bit more later as I could.
This has been a remarkable effort and they all are so deserving... 
That's wonderful!!!
Listened to some of the audio from a news report - must have been surreal to be on that plane / loading and unloading roaring lions.
There are additional threads on the lion rescue here on DU, so I've added them here. Looks like all went well and it's very cool that DUers were a part of that effort. They're still accepting donations for care and feeding, so I've kicked all the threads, added your original link. I'd love to be there, too, what a job! 
