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Simba is going home
Simba the lion was rescued from a circus beast wagon in France but is now going to live in a wildlife centre in Malawi.
Simba the lion was rescued from a circus beast wagon in France but is now going to live in a wildlife centre in Malawi.

Lion who was rescued from circus wagon starts 4,900 mile journey

A lion who was rescued from a circus beast wagon has begun a 4,900 mile journey home to Africa, with the help of wildlife organisations.

Simba was six months old when he entered the French zoo, Parc Zoologique du Bouy.

Two months later he was sold to an animal trainer in Vernay.  He was confined to a circus lorry trailer and sometimes allowed the use of a small run.

French authorities ordered that he be handed over and at the end of 2012, he was move to a temporary new home in Belguim.

From there, The Born Free Foundation and the Natuurhulpcentrum Opglabbeek began planning for his return to Africa. That journey began on Thursday (20) with Simba accompanied by Coronation Street actress and Born Free Foundation ambassador Helen Worth.

“What a beautiful animal he is. It is a disgrace that in modern Europe such neglect of wild animals can still be found. I am delighted that I can be part of this operation,” said Helen.


Simba's journey will take him to the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre in Malawi. He was taken to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport yesterday where he was due to be held in quarantine before flying to Malawi.

His flight is due to have a short stop in Nairobi. There he will be met by star of the 1966 film Born Free and founder of The Born Free Foundtion, actress Virginia McKenna OBE. She is due to travel with Simba on the final part of his journey to his new home.



“How wonderful to have a good news animal story in contrast to the seemingly endless negative and tragic ones that have filled the media in recent weeks," said Virginia.

"It is about one animal, one individual, but all of them matter and Simba, having initially been taken in by a Belgian rescue centre from an animal trainer in France, is now to begin his final journey to Africa, his rightful homeland.

"I know he will be beautifully cared for, living the rest of his life in a natural bush enclosure – a stark contrast to the circus wagon and barren exercise pen in France."

In time there are plans to introduce Simba to a lioness named Bella who was rescued by the Born Free Foundation from a Romanian zoo and now lives at the Lilongwe Wildlife Sanctuary.


For further information, visit www.bornfree.org.uk

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.