Special Rescue Flight - Flying With 7 Lions on Qatar Airways B777

Last month, I followed the transportation of seven rescued lions from Ukraine to South Africa by Qatar Airways Cargo. These lions were rescued from captivity by NGO Warriors of Wildlife (WOW) in Ukraine. The long journey involved a three-day trip from Kiev to Doha and Johannesburg, so that the lions could walk on grass for the first time in their lives. All the Lions were in good health when I last saw them.
I documented the loading process of 7 lions into the Qatar Airways B777. A short interview to find out the history of these rescue lions, along with the challenges of transporting wild animals, was made during loading and onboard the flight.
After 4 hours 20 minutes, we arrived at Doha and the lions were being transported to a transit facility. During the transit, they were fed with food and water. Lionel de Lange from the NGO spoke about the challenge he went through to get them transported. Later, the 7 lions were boarded on another Qatar Airways A350-900 flight to Johannesburg. The 7 lions have since been released into a protected area after arriving in South Africa. They were transferred to a much larger nature reserve, where they will be protected and taken care of for the rest of their lives.
Transporting wild animals back to their natural environment for free is a promise made by Qatar Airways Cargo as part of their “Rewild the Planet” initiative, which is also a part of the airline’s WeQare sustainability programme.
Contact Warriors of Wildlife: www.wowukraine.org/

[@PAIKUN.]

These lions are gonna brag to the other lions in South Africa like “I’ve been in a plane bro”!

[@craftsandgames3194]

Yeah they are proud!!!!

[@alecairpaag]

Nah, they're gonna be like "I was on a 777 and an A350" and then they're gonna spend days discussing which lower deck was better, A or B.

[@labourlawact7826]

The other lions in South Africa are not going to be jealous of these poor sick looking animals. 😢😢😢 Lions here in nature are fierce and strong.

[@My.Adidas.Stripes]

Let’s brag a little bit more. Travel First Class with Qatar too. Good sense of humour, bro.

[@hanifraditya4654]

They were lucky to fly with the A350😂😂

[@sukhmandersingh1242]

This is one of the most unique video out here on youtube social community. This video deserves millions if views.

[@SamChui]

Thank you. It is a project I've been (and over 50 people) following up with over 6 months to make it happen. I hope it touches many hearts.

[@swiper1818]

totally agree with you!!!

[@sukhmandersingh1242]

@@SamChui yes sam, certainly. Hope for more great content.

[@hendraahinsetiawan2929]

@@SamChui hhhhh, plz send my warmest regards to Akera, Alex, Caesar, Cecil, Joy, Nala and Xanda, hope they enjoy their new home. They'are all beautiful !! As usual, thanks for the video, Sam. Warmest regards and stay healthy from Bandung !

[@debtanaymukherjee158]

Yes absolutely, hatts off to the whole team of Qatar Airways and to the NGO also for doing such a great humanitarian work. And really this is the most unique video which I saw today on KZbin.

[@lethulaexcellentmofokeng9913]

We as South Africans, we appreciate Qatar airways assistance on bringing these lions back home.

[@joshuambeya4336]

Now just watch for the "trophy" hunters!!

[@gilmarcaldeira4835]

You my animais You tô not is like uh not my help am uh are landy tô you not mt is my África

[@Mohammadomer078]

Bro you live in Africa and ur Watching KZbin ? Isn't African Nation Poor? I think ur the littest African who is watching KZbin ? Watching KZbin in Africa - Impossible 😎 . Dont take it sirious bro it is not about hating its about the things that are rare in different countries . 🤗

[@aviationboi11]

@@Mohammadomer078 bro’s being racist af

[@__III__]

@@Mohammadomer078 Tf are you talking about

[@kimberleywinterbauer5286]

I’m crying as I watch these beautiful animals be released into the sanctuary. Qatar Airlines-you are the best. Thank you Sam for documenting this story as we need good in the world.

[@gerardroxas509]

This vlog gave me goosebumps. Not because the lions were scary, but because the effort that was done to save the lions were incredible. They could be tough animals, but we do not own them. They belong to the world, the nature. Happy for Qatar Airways for helping save these animals.

[@macanshot]

The lions were kinda cute

[@madbymycommentumad9041]

@@macanshot ok

[@wellhello6618]

See for more footage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raOkop2fqLuSaMk

[@karthikswaminathan4125]

Yes Sir. Thanks a ton to the NGO and Qatar Air Lines.

[@farrahhassan6372]

They righting the wrong that was done in the first place, the west need to stop taking wild animals from Africa all together…

[@nnanna5006]

This is more than just aviation stories. This is pure humanity.

[@detonationbeats9888]

This is unnatural. Let the lions in freedom

[@ConnorKenwayy]

@@detonationbeats9888 yaa dude , you're 100000000000% right.

[@brandonjuarez3723]

@@detonationbeats9888 lions born in captivity have very little to no chance in surviving in the wild since everything such as food and water was always given to them.

[@georgesboutz8080]

​@@brandonjuarez3723 ......They are not in the wild exactly...It said they will be living in a sanctuary where they have total freedom but at the same time are taken care of. There is no danger to them there.

[@rama8897]

Henceforth, I will choose to travel by Qatar airlines for their humanitarian service. Thanks Qatar team 🙏

[@Yep6803]

isn't qatar, is the people who are involved

[@ryanthomas3098]

@@Yep6803 Qatar Airways doesn't charge NGO's for flights

[@skyisthelimit05]

Can't stop my tears. This is a great humanitarian. Hats off to the Worriors of Wildlife. You and your team had done an amazing effort. A big hug to Qatar Airways for becoming a part of saving animals life in this way by send them to the safe places. It is 101% true that "QATAR AIRWAYS IS A QUEEN Of SKIES". I truly love this beauty(Qatar Airways).

[@clantis]

As a South African, I welcome them back home, where they belong to live their freedom and be happy. Great video Sam.

[@sherrytaylor-guillory7475]

💗💗💗

[@Bill_Woo]

Great comment.

[@kty3986]

For south african peoples mother nature and wild animals are gods this western and arab countries are using Africans and wild nature for money oriented 😡😡

[@jarrac]

@@kty3986 engage your brain before speaking

[@amargaikwad3144]

Shap howzit..

[@leahl1661]

I am literally in tears! Thank God for people like them and Qatar airlines!

[@manjurao4722]

Yeah I agree

[@jorgesalini9399]

Me too. Hug from Buenos Aires Argentina 💥

[@arizona7621]

They are free 🥰

[@MTkL91]

👍🏼

[@nickamandaeha3395]

Who’s happy there free at a zoo that’s better then a circus right?!?

[@emozi6730]

After Landing : where is the person? Lions : We pre-booked meal online.

[@atifrana5470]

😅😅😅😅👍

[@IAN-nr9gv]

🤣🤣🤣

[@mfitrimshukri5678]

🤣🤣🤣

[@mackenzieb2218]

I'm literally in tears. These animals are so so beautiful, and thanks to WOW they can now live their life without stress, without being injured. I'm so so grateful.

[@balongride3169]

You too so beautiful 😍

[@madbymycommentumad9041]

@@balongride3169 creep

[@TigerChamp99]

7 very special guests indeed.

[@arya456]

we gotta thank sam for risking and going all over the world so he can let us know what is happening in the aviation industry........thank u sam

[@rosem7568]

Sam is great! James Asquith YT as well does get aviation stuff as well. Check him out!

[@darcy6874]

What a beautiful ending. And well done Qatar Airways for helping, especially when others ignored them.

[@saminakilledar7692]

Fantastic job Qatar Airways you are the best ,so much of love and compassion for the lions and making their journey really smooth…❤️🤲

[@AmanSingh-mc1zv]

Mad Respect to the Qatar Airways team and the NGO. Thank you sam for this video. It sure touched my heart

[@workplace8605]

Yes 🥰

[@-HolySpiritDove-]

7 Lions on Flight B777, on a Boeing 777? Am I missing any more Holy 7s? 😉😇 🙏 for safety!

[@meln5689]

I operated one flight from Doha to Johannesburg with 8 lions from Ukraine 🥰🤗

[@alonshalit5778]

Gorgeous operation. How about making a vlog with possible pictures you may have? A podcast on it would be money as well.

[@Abdallahkhawaja]

Any video or something

[@zafarullahahmadmuzaffar3885]

And i flew from kiev to cape town with 15 lions 😂😂

[@ykrop1517]

I OPERATED ONE FLIGHT FROM THAILAND TO AFRICA WITH 10 ADULT ELEPHANTS

[@lemmegetyournumber4554]

@@ykrop1517 😂😂😂

[@asifrazzaq2585]

Qatar airways has really been amazing. Two of my relative families booked long haul flights, one with Turkish and the other with emirates. Both flights got canceled and it was a harsh process for refund. They both ended up booking with Qatar with a CHEAPER price and they had no problem at all. We have never had problems with Qatar, they are amazing.

[@furrocious7974]

I work in Qatar Airways and this is just one good job among millions of other good jobs they’ve been doing❤

[@samuelmuiriru]

Can i get job there

[@731109]

Hats off to the entire team of Qatar Airways and the NGO behind this. Commendable job and it's a really Thankless job which the NGO has done. Kudos to them. Great JOB SAM- love you to bring this to us. #QatarAirways #SAMCHUI

[@naturalworld1482]

Venkatesh Absolutely Right

[@citibear57]

From the *planes* of QATAR, to the *plains* of South Africa!

[@SamChui]

It is something at least I can do. A lot of hard work (over 6 months) were put into making the transport journey for 7 lions a success.

[@wizardgmb]

A big 👍to Qatar for providing their services to this noble effort without cost and 👍👍to all the wildlife repatriation people who worked so hard to make it happen! Lest I forget, thanks to Sam for sharing this story of something great happening across the globe during a pandemic! 🦁✈️❤️😷

[@krisztina442]

Huge respect to Qatar Airways and to that couple! That uplifting moment when the lions were finally released, oh my God! Anyway, the airplane is amazing and the teamwork behind this project is priceless.

[@tula7141]

Thank you for saving the innocent animals. There is a special place in Heaven waiting for all who rescue. ❣️

[@hameedmohammedkhan8460]

Hat's off to QATAR AIWAYS for supporting this noble cause during the pandemic times, A big big thank you for the entire team of QR and off course the NGO efforts. QR Rockstar.

[@jackhols5765]

Hope the lions get a better life in South Africa than they did before! Wish all 7 of them good luck!

[@labourlawact7826]

Yep, we will look after them well. ☺👋👍

[@dimplez8650]

The real jack hols???

[@TheChampy2012]

@@labourlawact7826 GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU FOR CARING FOR THEIR LIVES!!!! YOU AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE ❤️❤️❤️😘😍

[@labourlawact7826]

@@TheChampy2012 😊👍

[@maniegrobler411]

Thank you Qatar Airways for bringing these beautiful animals back home!

[@TimeTravelShots]

Thanks everyone involved in this project, and especially to Qatar Airways, who helped get this work done at no cost. 🇶🇦 🙏

[@gypsyfirestorm]

I work with Lions at our local sanctuary here in St. Augustine. It's exciting to know these babies are going to their forever home, and will be cared for! Welcome home kids!

[@aa77655]

😱

[@474yx]

@@aa77655 ✅

[@jaydenjames9458]

I am from South Africa thank you Qutar airways for bringing our animals back home.. All involved thank you for yiur sacrifices for adding voices to those that cannot speak.. Well done guys!! Sam thanks for the video..

[@karenknaust4193]

I’m literally seeing this 1 year later .. LOVE IT. Thank you Sam. More thanks to the wildlife agencies who are doing tremendous stuff 🙏🏻 and Qatar airways for always remaining the BEST … May we continue to do good. For a better world

[@weprayforcars7]

When the women started crying in the last footage,that touched my heart

[@jkjkjk100]

Imagine nursing someone for so long then they leave (for the better) because you’re not meant to be together… i’d cry even more.

[@suzagurung7809]

Same here

[@tempellem]

This kind of videos just warms my heart. I'm so happy to have known that there are people out there who saves lions and bring them to wild. ❤️❤️❤️

[@dhruvhere4you]

This is one of my happiest days of my life watching this video and seeing the lions getting a new life

[@Resolute900]

Great content! I love the way you covered the story, getting all angles and interviewing everyone: staff, pilots and organisers.

[@Resolute900]

Seriously an underated channel

[@AlliOopsadaisy]

Sometimes a "like' seems so small a contribution to such an awe inspiring video. Thanks Sam and all the amazing people involved in this!

[@eugenetng9178]

This simply touched my heart ❤️. Thank you everyone for the hard work to bring these lions home.

[@davewakabs960]

She spoke Swahili Our Kenyan language🇰🇪🔥🔥....good job Qatar airways- you lead they follow 👏👏

[@dorcasshayo5155]

Ati kenyan language

[@thomasezekia6741]

Ngoja waTz waje na maneno yao

[@crazypete3759]

Imagine being a passenger on that flight and going to the bathroom just to hear a *lion* roaring under the floor! LOL

[@jonnyfilms6189]

I would be tripping out, like am i really hearing a lion on this plane💀

[@kap849]

And trying to convince the stranger next to you that you heard lions while in the bathroom. Yeah, right. Of course you did.

[@delhiwala4480]

Like funding terrorist?

[@crazypete3759]

@@delhiwala4480 what?

[@nushnush9784]

Literally im in tears when i saw them set free🥰😥😥.. Thank-you for doing this kind job🙏🏼 Qatar airlines is really amazing, I used this airlines few times and they did very excellent job, thank you for doing amazing jobs Qatar airlines and staff. I really owe a very big thank you to this airlines because they reunited me with my dog..😥😥🥰🥰🥰🙂

[@shlokgala1627]

I swear if i had millions i would donate them all to such ngo’s rescuing animals....I wouldn’t think twice before donating the money....GOD BLESS THESE NGO’s ....GOD BLESS SAM CHUI FOR COVERING WUCH FOOTAGE AND SPREADING AWARENESS 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@mls9690]

Awesome video Sam! Thank you for covering this part of a long awaited journey. Special thanks to Lionel, Anya, Qatar Airways and all the donators and sponsors that made this possible ❤️

[@colinlincoln3639]

The ending had me tearing up seeing those lions finally back in where they belong. Thank you to all who brought the lions home. 😊👍

[@jordanteh2211]

Amazing... the tears of joy .... well done Qatar Airways and those NGO who made it through behind the scene. home sweets home Lions...

[@pennymcgarry8329]

This made me cry Welcome home Cecil and friends.❤️

[@adiraj6742]

Amazing service by Qatar Airways and all the crew involved what a fantastic achievement!

[@lxvi84]

OK! That’s great PR, well done Qatar airways my next flight is gonna be you 🦁🌍✈️

[@PremSingh-ex5yv]

This is commendable !! My salute to all the personnel involved. Respects & love from INDIA 🇮🇳

[@JoeAchilles1]

Amazing in every single way 🙌

[@mohammadzohorul8887]

Hope to see you in Qatar some day

[@labourlawact7826]

@@mohammadzohorul8887 I'm waiting for Sam to come to South Africa, but he seems to avoid the place like the plague. Can't blame him...

[@SamChui]

@@labourlawact7826 I don't avoid any country. I have in fact been to South Africa many times. The Current COVID travel restriction makes it difficult to travel.

[@labourlawact7826]

@@SamChui Hi Sam. Sorry, I wasn't even aware that you've been here. Haven't seen any videos about us, but granted I've only subscribed about two years ago. Thanks for all the very interesting videos. 😊👋👋👍

[@tempellem]

Totally agree! Wow to the effort!

[@meghasharma9875]

It felt so great looking at those lions in the end, they seem happy once they reached their home! keep doing amazing things and thank you to each and everyone who made this happen.

[@gillianmuspic2337]

Whenever I get to fly again, if they are going my way , I will fly Qatar. So impressed by what they do for the animals

[@JP-dm1ul]

Welcome home Brave Ones. Kudos to all the crew of Qatar, NGO and Sam for doing this. A job well done.

[@cosmicwings7211]

Omg! I had tears in my eyes. Im so much happy to know that these adorable animals will have a good life now. Thank you and blessing to all people who helped to make this possible. ❤👏💗🌈🥇🏆greetings from Bali

[@maggietang8886]

What a great video. Thank you Sam for sharing and highest tribute to the team of Qatar Airways and the NGO behind. So Happy for the big cats. Hope they can all enjoy their lives in the wild

[@BenDover-kk6ch]

God bless all of you for your involvement in such a good cause, Absolute respect to the freight coordinator for Qatar, heart of gold to get involved helping the lions!! Bless you all

[@scottgoode9874]

Beautiful amazing incredible happy tears to see them take their first steps in South Africa!! Such terrific work by everyone everywhere!!!

[@girishkondaparthy]

Its Amazing what people do to save those beautiful animals..i am speechless when he said he will be relived when they open gate and they will run into sanctuary. What a man.. God bless him. @Sam thank you for providing their link. Ill see what I can donate to their cause.

[@ibm1105]

One of the most beautiful videos I have seen on KZbin. The ending had me in tears.

[@HolidayRambling]

Was watching Sam and Airplanes playing ksp now im crying. That was so awesome seeing them in their beautiful new home. Seeing them with all the sores and scars was hard to watch which made it better to see them in a safe place. That was Amazing of Qatar Airlines to offer to help more animals in need. ❤

[@matthiashaenni]

A great story with a happy ending! ❤ It is a relief to see how the lions could be rescued from terrible conditions and released into the wild. Super video 👍

[@mrkc10]

Sam this is one of your best videos of all times. You did a remarkable job of documenting how aviation makes the world a better place when people from multiple countries come together for the betterment of everyone...including live animals. Great job!

[@t.essakkiraja1136]

I'm happy too see this comment

[@MahidaShire]

I’m CRYING 😭 balling. God bless each and every single person who made this happen. Especially the Couple! You guys are the hero’s! Bless you ❤️

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

I'm so happy for these animals. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Hopefully more animals can be saved 💪🙏💖

[@Nooticus]

This video is one of the few that has made me almost cry of happiness. Sam is really a storytelling and cinematic genius and huge props to Qatar airways for doing all that for free 👏❤️

[@luckyluk3r]

Incredibly beautiful video Sam, the end brings tears to ones eyes. Thanks for the dedication to the NGO, I'm sure for this extremely much time and effort had to be spent. And of course thanks to Qatar Airways - I'll book my next flight to Asia with you guys!

[@amc3]

Totally amazing, this almost brought me tears. Now they are free from their small encloses, free to roam. Great job Sam.

[@matthewb1660]

Fantastic job by Qatar Airlines and a bit of help from Sam, but amazing effort well done everyone to see such magnificent creatures saved and cared for 💕💕💕💕

[@wiloakley]

Qatar Airways is truly a fantastic airline, helping return these wonderful cats back to their natural homes!

[@fr_anto]

Thanks to Qatar for making this possible. The crew are all amazing people. Shoutout to them, for giving these beautiful animals a good life like they deserve. And also, Sam is awesome. #Qatarairways #SAMCHUI #lions

[@TripReportaviation]

Nice video! It's awesome that you were able to fly on such a special flight. Thanks for sharing your experience and best wishes to the lions

[@kevinkinyuru1696]

So satisfactory to my eyes, great job. 🇰🇪

[@mattweller]

The ending was just beautiful. Definately lifted my mood on this monday!

[@labourlawact7826]

Thank you Sam for helping to get these poor lions back home to my country South Africa.

[@shaan67026702]

Thanks to humanity n kind hearted people alive,who had kept the enviornment and animals balanced and alive...🤗 Love and respect from bottom of my hear...❤️🙏

[@DAVIDBLADE94NVIDIA]

BEAUTIFUL TEAM WORK NGO Warriors and Qatar Airways Cargo , Love From Germany ❤️ ❤️🥇🥇

[@Kwam-ER]

By far my favorite of all your videos. The humanitarian aspect all around is amazing. This has catapulted Qatar Airways to the top of my list. They will be my first choice for travel where they fly.

[@MarkSeath]

Well Done, Lionel de Lange with those lions you rescued from Ukraine. Thanks Sam for the great video of there flight to a better life here in South Africa.

[@nabilalalabilla]

I have 4 cats and crying watching this video. Thank you Sam and everyone!

[@gggg-fr5qp]

Thank you Sam for sharing your experience with us

[@zeeshanmirani7966]

Incredible work. humanity exists❤️ Thanks to the Qatar Airways and the wild life organisation for helping these beautiful cats.

[@milenagonzalezvzla6866]

Thank you !!!!! Great to see you’re also involved in humanitarian causes . Love this !! Alex the lion is so adorable 😀

[@mfitrimshukri5678]

This is just amazing. The NGO, Qatar Airways and Sam

[@bormz7191]

Beautiful animals, and beautiful people rescuing them.

[@moogmike1]

This was a truly beautiful Video, thank you Sam. To know that these magnificent animals are going to a better life brings tears to my eyes knowing of their past suffering. Congratulations WOW for your amazing achievement may your efforts and success long continue.

[@swiper1818]

agreed!

[@felixmrema4126]

They belong to be in east africa.

[@MargaretUK]

That was amazing, thank you. It restores some of my faith in human nature to see this ❤ I hope the lions are doing well 👍

[@abongiletsotsi7300]

I love your work Sam, it is so amazing to see the back ground work in Aviation transportation.

[@catherinekambere9806]

Finally the lions got their freedom back. Great job NGO, Qatar airways and Sam.

[@LAXPLANESPOTTER]

of course I have teary eyes... thank you Sam... you are incredible what you produce with your channel QATAR has the deep pockets but they were willing to foot the cost of this.. incredible. seeing the lions free and going to their new home... very touching... very touching... I have so much respect for what SAM does

[@60frederick]

Why do I need a TV if I can watch documentaries like this one on KZbin. It is a documentary which deserves to be shown to the people worldwide.. Sam, thank you very much for sharing your video with us. It should be shown not only on KZbin - it should be also shown on channels like Discovery Channel e.g. Also a big thank you to Qatar Airways for the free transport. Qatar Airways, you have my sympathy! Next long haul trip will be with you.

[@sangeetadasappa1947]

A super special edition with the beautiful Lions. Thanks Sam

[@7412carol]

Thank you to everyone that plays a part in all of this. Yes I know the people that saved them get a lot of credit but without the help of all the other people none of this would be possible. I have never flown but i have the up most respect for the pilots and crew on board.

[@CathNyabvure]

OMG! I am so happy the Lions are back home, and now in a place they can be free and thrive as they should! AMAZING video Sam!

[@davidsonleeyeo8655]

Hello friend

[@hoosiertejano5835]

After watching this episode.....god bless the people who put so much of their lives into rescuing these animals....and to Sam chui for making this video. Well done my friend.....well done.

[@diedrikmyburgh4060]

Excellent work from Warriors of Wildlife protecting and saving our South African big cats, and Qatar, this is a big statement to other Airlines and Businesses, EXCELLENT!!!

[@adnanalam9999]

Loved to see you smiling dear SAM.. Keep exploring the world...

[@joshuaforster3097]

Saving these animals is like saving mankind! May these majestic creatures enjoy their remaining lives in peace, happiness and in good health in South Africa😼😹😽❣Salutations to Quatar Airways and all those hardworking people who made this dream comes true finally. Unashamedly I shed a tear or two of joy and hopefulness watching such mission of mercy. Thank U again👏

[@jacquesleroux5069]

What a privilege to have been able to participate in this venture Sam!

[@hanzdeutsche5633]

Simply amazing to see these wonderful beauties rescued..!!

[@gisellesinclair6811]

It’s so great you are doing shows on events like this. It’s so interesting and fun to watch and you’re spreading the word on a good cause.

[@djtexas4993]

Well it Makes me want to fly Qatar. Genius move for them, especially considering the quote their competition gave. Good job QA!

[@meln5689]

QR

[@djtexas4993]

@@meln5689 that’s their sign yes, though I was simply referring “Qatar Airways” :) thanks!