Seventeen big cats (12 tigers and 5 lions) are living their wonderful new lives at the Animal Defenders International (ADI) Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS) in South Africa.

They were rescued from a life of suffering performing in a  Guatemalan circus. After implementing a ban against the use of wild animals in circuses in Guatemala in 2017, the government invited London-based organisation Animal Defenders International (ADI) to help enforce the law.

The big cats landed safely at OR Tambo International Airport and started their wonderful new lives at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary on 21 January. The location is undisclosed for their protection.

• Assisting governments with strategic support and enforcement of animal protection laws, Animal Defenders International conducts large-scale animal seizures including removing all circus animals.  These rescue operations have a global impact, raising awareness worldwide and encouraging other governments to act.