Lion cubs find new home in South African shelter, drawing attention to illegal wildlife trade

Two lion cubs, Ben Tzur and Uri, rescued in 2025 after being illegally trafficked into Israel, were transferred to the Animal Defenders International (ADI) sanctuary in South Africa on Tuesday. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) announced the move, highlighting the broader issue of illegal wildlife trafficking. Ben Tzur was found tied to a tree, and Uri was discovered in poor health; both were temporarily housed at Hai Park in Kiryat Motzkin.

"Wildlife trafficking remains an ongoing problem"

Ben Rosenberg, director of the Wildlife Protection Division at the INPA, stated that the cubs are "only the tip of the iceberg of the disturbing criminal phenomenon," noting over 560 illegally traded wild animals were captured in 2025. Shai Peretz, chief prosecutor at the INPA, emphasized that enforcement must target the criminal networks and financial interests behind this "cruel criminal phenomenon," utilizing laws like the Money Laundering Prohibition Law to combat the economic engine for criminal elements.