A new rescue enclosure at a big cat sanctuary in South Africa has opened.
British Airways Holidays has partnered with international wildlife charity, Born Free, as part of its new animal welfare policy, to fund the enclosure.
The travel company has also flown two lionesses, rescued from a failed zoo in Spain, to their new home as part of its long-term commitment to end ‘exploitative tourism’ that sees wild animals kept in captivity. The enclosure, at the 40 ha Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary in Stanford in the Western Cape, is now home to the lionesses Alpha and Cora.
The two companies have been working together over the past year to develop the Animal Welfare policy, which sees BA Holidays commit to preventing captive animals being used for entertainment purposes and discouraging its hotel partners from doing so.
The travel company’s support has enabled construction of the perimeter fence of the enclosure, night house and security provisions.
“We are delighted to have been able to support Born Free and enable Alpha and Cora to spend the rest of their lives in their natural habitat. We know our customers are behind us in supporting causes like this and we are proud that our new Animal Welfare Policy and its various initiatives will help improve the lives of animals living in captivity all over the world,” said Claire Bentley, Managing Director of British Airways Holidays.
