For more than a decade, two majestic lions—Goliath and Coralie—were forced to live in tiny, barren circus cages in France, deprived of the freedom they were born to experience. Their days were spent confined to a mobile truck, subjected to the harsh realities of captivity for the sake of entertainment. But today, thanks to the tireless efforts of Animal Defenders International (ADI) and a network of global supporters, these lions are finally experiencing the life they deserve.
The rescue and relocation of Goliath and Coralie to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa marks a significant turning point in the fight against wild animal cruelty in circuses. In this report, we’ll explore the journey of these two lions, their new home, and the ongoing mission to ensure a better future for wild animals who have suffered at the hands of circuses around the world.
From Circus Cages to African Sunshine
Goliath and Coralie’s story is one of resilience and hope. After more than ten years of abuse and neglect, these two lions were finally liberated from their cramped circus cages in France and flown to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa—a safe haven where they will finally experience life on their own terms.
Thanks to the generous support of Qatar Airways Cargo, who donated the flight as part of their WeQare program, Goliath and Coralie were airlifted from France to South Africa. The journey, which included a layover in Doha, was a pivotal moment in their lives, as they left behind their painful past and stepped into a future full of freedom.
Once they arrived at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, they were given access to a 2.5-acre enclosure, where they could bask in the African sunshine, roam the land, and experience the freedom they were denied for so many years. It was the first step toward healing and reintegration into a natural environment, though their journey is far from over.
According to Jan Creamer, President of Animal Defenders International, “When you see these two magnificent lions living so close to what nature intended, it shows how wrong it is to keep them in circus cages, just for entertainment. Goliath and Coralie lived the first half of their lives in a cage on a truck; now they get to live as lions should.”
The Global Fight to End Circus Suffering
The rescue of Goliath and Coralie is not just a victory for these two lions—it’s a key moment in the ongoing global movement to end wild animal acts in circuses. ADI’s Stop Circus Suffering campaign has seen more than 50 countries and seven U.S. states pass laws banning the use of wild animals in circuses. These legislative victories are critical in dismantling the exploitation of animals for entertainment purposes, ensuring that wild creatures like Goliath and Coralie can live out their days in peace, far from the harsh spotlight of circus rings.
Over the years, Animal Defenders International has undertaken massive rescue operations across Latin America, working to enforce circus bans in Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Guatemala. These operations have resulted in the rescue and relocation of dozens of lions, monkeys, and other animals, including the airlift of 33 lions, 25 lions, and 17 lions at a time, along with 40 monkeys.
In these rescue operations, the priority has always been the health and well-being of the animals. Goliath and Coralie’s flight to freedom is part of a larger movement to hold circuses accountable for their cruelty and to find forever homes for animals in need.
A New Beginning in South Africa
Upon their arrival in South Africa, Goliath and Coralie were placed in a quarantine unit at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. This step is essential for ensuring the health and safety of the animals before they transition into their permanent habitat. During this period, the lions underwent comprehensive medical examinations, including vaccinations and a series of health checks to ensure they were fit and ready for their new life.
Once their quarantine period is complete, Goliath and Coralie will be moved to a 7.5-acre habitat at the sanctuary, where they can enjoy a vast, secure space to roam and live out the rest of their lives. This habitat will provide them with the opportunity to explore, interact, and live in a way that respects their natural instincts and behaviors. They will also receive lifetime care, including regular medical attention, food, and enrichment activities to ensure their well-being.
Unfortunately, due to the abuse and confinement they endured in the circus, Goliath and Coralie cannot be returned to the wild. However, the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary offers them the next best thing: a sanctuary where they can live as they were meant to—free from human exploitation, safe from harm, and surrounded by a team of compassionate caretakers.
The Road Ahead: A Lifelong Commitment to Care
While the rescue and relocation of Goliath and Coralie are cause for celebration, the reality is that the care these animals need doesn’t end with their arrival in South Africa. Providing lifetime care for rescued animals is a significant commitment, both financially and logistically. Animal Defenders International is actively seeking donations to support the ongoing care of Goliath, Coralie, and other animals at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.
Each lion could live for 10 years or more in the sanctuary, and throughout that time, they will require constant support, including food, healthcare, and habitat maintenance. This is where you can make a difference. By contributing to the sanctuary’s efforts, you are helping to provide long-term care for animals like Goliath and Coralie, ensuring that they can continue to live peacefully and freely.
To learn more about how you can help, visit ADI’s donation page. Every donation, no matter how small, contributes to a future of freedom for these magnificent creatures and others like them.
The End of an Era for Circus Lions in France
The rescue of Goliath and Coralie also symbolizes the end of an era for wild animal acts in France. In 2021, France passed a law that will phase out the use of wild animals in circuses by 2028. The new regulations, which prohibit further breeding of wild animals for circus use and set minimum welfare standards, have already led to the seizure of animals like Goliath and Coralie. This marks a significant step toward a future where wild animals are no longer used for entertainment but are instead respected as the majestic creatures they are.
France’s efforts are part of a global trend toward compassionate legislation that protects animals from exploitation and ensures their welfare. The success of these legislative efforts will continue to inspire countries around the world to take similar action, moving us closer to a future where the circus no longer exploits wild animals for profit.
Join the Movement: Help Support the Future of Goliath, Coralie, and Other Rescued Animals
The rescue of Goliath and Coralie is a story of triumph over adversity, a reminder that compassion can change the lives of those who need it most. But the journey is far from over. To continue supporting the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary and to help ensure the future of other animals like Goliath and Coralie, consider getting involved today.
By donating, advocating for stronger laws, and spreading awareness about the abuse of wild animals in circuses, we can make a lasting impact. To learn more about how you can support animal rescues, visit the Rescue Network and discover ways you can help.
Together, we can build a world where animals are no longer exploited for entertainment, but are given the opportunity to live freely and naturally, just as they were meant to.
How You Can Help:
- Donate to support the lifetime care of rescued animals like Goliath and Coralie.
- Advocate for stronger laws to protect wild animals from exploitation.
- Spread awareness about the cruelty of the circus industry and encourage others to support animal rescue efforts.
With your help, we can ensure that animals like Goliath and Coralie receive the freedom and dignity they truly deserve.
