Big cats find their way home, rescued lions are relocated to South Africa

Two African lions rescued from war-torn Iraq and Syria were transported to a permanent home in South Africa, after an interim stay in Jordan where they recuperated from physical and psychological trauma. (Photos: AP)

A lion named Saeed, who was rescued from Syria by the animal rights group Four Paws, is caged prior his departure from the Al-Ma'wa Animal Sanctuary near Souf, in northern Jordan.

In this Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 photo, a lion named Simba, who was rescued from Iraq by the animal rights group Four Paws, is prepared for his departure from the Al-Ma'wa Animal Sanctuary near Souf, in northern Jordan.

A lion named Saeed, who was rescued from Syria by the animal rights group Four Paws, is caged during its arrival at OR Tambo International airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.

A 4-year-old lion named Simba, who was rescued from Syria by the animal rights group Four Paws, is released into an enclosure at the Lionsrock Lodge and Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, South Africa‎.

A 4-year-old lion named Simba, who was rescued from Syria by the animal rights group Four Paws, is released into an enclosure at the Lionsrock Lodge and Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, South Africa.

2-year-old Saeed, who was rescued from Syria by the animal rights group Four Paws, is released into an enclosure at the Lionsrock Lodge and Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, South Africa.

Two lions rescued from neglected zoos in war zones in Iraq and Syria were transported to South Africa on Monday to live at a sanctuary with other animals that survived harsh conditions in captivity elsewhere in the world.