The Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary announced that, last week, two freed and relocated circus lions lost their lives to poachers.
Last year, two lions named Liso and José were among the more than 30 who were freed from South American circuses and flown to a wildlife refuge in South Africa, notes CBS News.
Sadly, the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary recently announced that both the lions lost their lives to poachers, reports The Telegraph.
Last week, the killers had somehow made it past the armed guards that patrol the site’s perimeter around the clock.
When Liso and José were found, their heads, tails, paws, and skins were missing, according to the BBC.
Authorities have not publicly discussed what the motive may have been, but conservationists have suggested the slaughter may be linked to the growing Asian black market for lion teeth, claws, and even bones.
While Asian tiger has long been the preferred source for ingredients use in myriad tonics, rampant poaching has severely diminished their populations, leaving dealers looking for alternatives.
A police investigation into the deaths of the Emoya sanctuary lions is ongoing, and Animal Defenders International, which was instrumental in rehoming the animals, is considering offering a reward for information leading to the perpetrators’ capture.
