33 lions are returned to Africa after a life of confinement in circuses

33 lions are returned to Africa

The journey cost about 4,000 dollars according to Animal Defenders International © AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

33 lions are returned to Africa

One of the lions is released into the Big Cat Sanctuary in the province of Limpopo, South Africa © Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

33 lions are returned to Africa

One of the lions rescued in South America released in its homeland, South Africa © Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

33 lions are returned to Africa

The animals were transported in specific cages and underwent aromatherapy to reduce stress © AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

33 lions are returned to Africa

The rescued lions cannot be released into the wild. They will live in a 5,000-hectare natural reserve © Getty Images

33 lions are returned to Africa

33 lions were rescued from circuses in Colombia and Peru and were brought to South Africa in the largest airlift of lions in history © AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

33 lions are returned to Africa

Lions were transported on a Boeing 747 and after 16 hours landed in