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Born Free embarks on biggest lion relocation in history
The cubs have been transferred to a safe location near Lyon.

Charity rescues four cubs kept as pets in France

International wildlife charity Born Free is set to embark on its biggest relocation of rescued lions in 35 years. 

The charity plans to relocate four lions cubs from captivity in France and transfer them to a sanctuary in South Africa.

The cubs, Horus, Kuuma, Dadou and ‘Girl’ (yet to be named), are just a few months old and were taken from their mothers before they were weaned. They have since been kept as pets in different locations in France, suffering terrible living conditions and battling illness.

Born Free says that it does not know how the cubs ended up as pets but it is thought that they may have come from travelling circuses.

Thanks to the French authorities and Born Free, the cubs have been transferred to a safe location near Lyon and now await transfer to Born Free’s Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa.

Born Free’s head of animal welfare Chris Draper, who is overseeing the relocation, said: “The tragic stories of these cubs are the direct result from the appalling and continued demand for wild animals as ‘pets’ and in circuses.

“These four cubs face a happier future in our care, but we must also work to stamp out the trade in wild animals as pets and bring to an end the use of wild animals in circuses once and for all.”

To help make the mission a success, Born Free is asking from donations from the public. The total cost of relocating the cubs could reach £60,000 while the cost of looking after each cub, per year, could be as much as £9,000.

For more information about the mission or to make a donation visit www.bornfree.org.uk or text LIONS to 70755 to give £10.00

Image (C) Born Free/George Logan.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
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NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.