Four lions arrived in Israel overnight Thursday on an El Al cargo flight. The lions — one male and three female — came from two zoos in the Czech Republic as part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s lion population management program. They will be housed at the Haifa Educational Zoo for conservation, education and awareness efforts for the endangered species.
The lionesses are named Khitab, Kahale and Kayana, and the male is named Marty.
Four lions arrive in Israel from the Czech Republic
(Video: Courtesy of El Al)
The lions, flown in from Frankfurt, were placed at their originating zoos in designated crates that meet international standards, where they remained throughout the flight to Israel.
Upon landing, the lions were transferred directly to a truck that transported them to the Haifa zoo, accompanied by zoo staff. Upon arrival at their new home, the lions will undergo an initial acclimation period lasting several weeks, during which they will adjust to their surroundings and become familiar with one another before being introduced to the public.
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Two of the lionesses who moved from the Czech Republic to Haifa
(Photo: Hadar Goldberg/Haifa Educational Zoo)
Their arrival was considered essential at this time, and in order to facilitate the transport during a complex period for aviation — with many foreign airlines suspending service to Israel — El Al operated the special cargo flight around the clock.
El Al captain Roi Afodi, a father of two sons named Lavi and Ari, both words meaning lion, spoke to Ynet before departure about transporting the special cargo.
“This is an unusual cargo flight that requires special preparation. Beyond operating the flight itself, we must ensure precise conditions in the cargo hold, including temperature control, and plan a flight path that minimizes turbulence and air pockets as much as possible. All checks and coordination are done in advance, and during the flight we continue to monitor and adjust as needed," he explained. "These days we operate both passenger and cargo flights to maintain Israel’s vital aviation lifeline. There is a special sense of mission in tasks like this. All El Al staff, and especially the flight crews, are ready to carry out any mission that can help during this period — whether it’s essential cargo or passengers seeking to return home.”
“At a time when Israel’s air connectivity is limited, cargo operations are more vital than ever," said Roi Cohen, head of cargo at El Al. "Alongside transporting essential supplies, including medical and security equipment, we continue to handle complex and sensitive shipments, including live animals. El Al is committed to maintaining the air bridge to and from Israel and ensuring operational continuity even in challenging times.”
Over the past year, workers at the Maman cargo terminal at Ben-Gurion Airport have handled the sensitive transport of pure red heifers — where even a small scratch renders them unfit for ritual use — as well as abused donkeys, sharks, thoroughbred racehorses worth tens of millions of shekels and even a lion cub.
Charlie Nachmias, vice president of operations at the Maman cargo terminal, also commented on the lions’ arrival. “Over the past year, the Maman cargo terminal has felt at times like Noah’s Ark, as each month we are required to load or unload specialized transport crates for land and marine animals. It started with sharks, then cows, horses, donkeys and even a lion cub. Today, the level of expertise among terminal staff in animal transport is among the highest in the industry, and I have no doubt we will continue to improve as the missions become more challenging.”
Ethos, the Haifa municipality’s arts, culture and sports company that operates the educational zoo, thanked all those involved in bringing the lions to Israel.
“We would like to thank El Al for its exceptional effort during this challenging period in bringing the pride of lions to Haifa, as well as our colleagues in the Czech Republic and Germany who worked under complex conditions to advance wildlife conservation in Israel and worldwide,” the company said in a statement,
First published: 21:47, 03.26.26