A happy ending: Lion cubs illegally smuggled into Israel have found a new home in Africa
Two lions, "Ben Tzur" and "Uri", found in 2025 after being held and traded illegally, were transferred in a complex operation without anesthesia to the ADI sanctuary for big cats in South Africa. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority and the Hai Park Motzkin accompanied the two on their journey, and the mother of Staff Sergeant Uri Gerbi, of blessed memory, for whom the lion is named, came to say goodbye to him.
Two young lions, "Ben Tzur" and "Uri", who were rescued as part of the fight against the illegal wildlife trade, were transferred this week to a sanctuary for big cats in South Africa. The complex operation, led by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and the Hai Park Motzkin team, concluded after a journey of more than 30 hours.
Both lions were found in 2025 after being held illegally, traded, and smuggled into the country. "Ben Tzur" was located tied to a tree in the Palestinian Authority, while "Uri" was found by the Kafr Qasim police in very poor health. The two were transferred for rehabilitation at the Hai Park Motzkin, where they were placed in an enclosure renovated specifically for them. In recent months, the staff accustomed them to entering a designated transport crate, which allowed for their transfer without the need for anesthesia.
On the day the lions left the country, the parents of Staff Sergeant Uri Gerbi, of blessed memory, who fell in battle in the Gaza Strip at the beginning of 2024 and for whom the lion is named, came to bid farewell to "Uri". His mother, Naomi Gerbi, said:
"It is a sad day mixed with joy. We are excited that Uri is going to live the best life for him, but it is hard to see him leave."
Uri Laniel, director of the captive wildlife department at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, who accompanied the two, noted: "This is an emotional day. They are going to live the best life we can offer them, the natural habitat for lions - Africa." Laniel thanked the Hai Park Motzkin team for their dedicated care of the two and the four other lions that remain at the facility.
Meanwhile, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority warns that the phenomenon of illegal wildlife trade serves as an economic engine for criminal organizations. Ben Rosenberg, director of the Wildlife and Plant Protection Division at the Authority, noted that during 2025, more than 560 wild animals that were traded and smuggled illegally were seized.
Advocate Shai Peretz, chief prosecutor at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, emphasized the new legal tools against the criminals:
"The amendment to the Prohibition of Money Laundering Law gives law enforcement authorities more significant tools to damage the economic infrastructure of the criminals. From now on, we will not be satisfied with seizing the animals and prosecuting those involved, but we will also act to locate, forfeit, and confiscate the profits generated from the offenses."
