Lion Cub Relocation UK International Services
Our Services
Relocating lion cubs across borders requires logistical skills and an understanding of international transport standards. Our services are structured to cover every step of the journey, ensuring each cub is moved safely, lawfully, and under optimal welfare conditions.
Pre-Transport Health and Compliance Preparation
Before any relocation begins, our team ensures that all veterinary, quarantine, and licensing requirements are met. This includes coordinating with registered veterinarians for medical assessments, ensuring microchipping and vaccination compliance, and preparing documentation required under CITES and IATA Live Animal Regulations.
We also liaise directly with destination authorities to confirm import conditions. This preparation phase removes administrative pressure from your team and ensures that your relocation process moves forward without unexpected delays.
Specialist Transport Crate Design and Inspection
Safe transport begins with the right containment. We oversee the design, build, and approval of IATA-compliant transport crates, customised to the cub’s size and developmental stage. These crates provide sufficient ventilation, appropriate bedding, and secure reinforcement to prevent injury or stress.
Each crate undergoes inspection by authorised personnel before departure. Our specialists ensure that every unit meets the legal and welfare standards for international wildlife transportation, offering peace of mind for both UK and global transfers.
Ground Handling and Airport Coordination
From collection to airport handover, our coordination team manages every logistical step. We arrange secure vehicle transport, complete with temperature control and experienced animal handlers who understand the sensitivity of feline movements.
At departure and arrival airports, our team supervises handling operations, working closely with cargo teams and airline officials to verify that procedures align with welfare protocols. Every moment from crate loading to customs clearance is carefully monitored.
Customs and Documentation Management
International relocation of lion cubs requires complex documentation — from CITES permits to veterinary certificates and transit authorisations. We handle all these elements, coordinating with UK DEFRA authorities and overseas wildlife departments.
Our in-house documentation team ensures all entries are accurate, preventing clearance issues and unnecessary delays. We also maintain constant communication with both exporting and importing officials to verify the latest requirements for wildlife shipments.
Air and Ground Logistics Integration
Our global logistics partnerships allow us to integrate air and ground transport into one continuous route. We manage flight bookings with airlines licensed for live animal transport and coordinate with ground handlers to ensure smooth transitions between stages.
Our logistics scheduling considers temperature sensitivity, route timing, and cargo compatibility, prioritising animal welfare and shipment reliability. Whether it’s a direct UK to Africa relocation or a transfer from an international conservation program to a UK sanctuary, our systems maintain continuity from departure to destination.
In-Transit Animal Welfare Oversight
Throughout transport, welfare is the top priority. Our animal handlers are trained in species-specific care standards and familiar with sedation restrictions, hydration monitoring, and emergency response procedures.
Each move includes pre-journey welfare checks, in-transit monitoring, and arrival evaluations to ensure the cub remains calm and healthy. We coordinate veterinary support at both ends of the route and maintain contact throughout transit.
Our team’s welfare oversight ensures that every cub arrives safely, rested, and ready for acclimation to its new environment.
Post-Arrival Quarantine and Adjustment Support
Once the cub arrives, it often undergoes quarantine as mandated by import regulations. We assist in organising and monitoring this stage, ensuring that all requirements are fulfilled for health observation and acclimatisation.
Our network of certified quarantine facilities provides appropriate environments that match each cub’s welfare needs. We coordinate updates with local authorities and owners, ensuring smooth handover once all clearance steps are complete.
This service ensures that your lion cub’s transition concludes without administrative or welfare complications.
Advisory and Relocation Planning Services
Every relocation benefits from strategic planning. Our advisory service is designed for organisations or private owners who anticipate future relocations or require consultation on wildlife transport compliance.
We provide guidance on route planning, documentation timelines, seasonal transport considerations, and welfare frameworks for lion cubs at different stages of maturity. This service supports both single relocations and ongoing transfer programs for zoos, sanctuaries, and conservation entities.
Schedule a consultation today to plan your next relocation confidently.
Why Choose Us
The relocation of a lion cub involves complex logistical, legal, and welfare demands that require dedicated coordination. Our team brings together experience in wildlife transport, veterinary liaison, customs management, and global logistics administration.
We manage relocations to and from major destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, maintaining adherence to international wildlife standards. Each movement is handled with precision and care, reflecting both regulatory compliance and ethical responsibility.
Our work extends beyond transportation — it encompasses end-to-end oversight of the entire relocation process. This complete approach ensures that your relocation experience remains structured, predictable, and respectful of every welfare consideration.
Book a call today to discuss your relocation with our specialists.
Begin the Journey with Trusted Care
Every lion cub relocation requires planning, structure, and sensitivity to detail. With Pets Let’s Travel, you gain a dedicated partner who manages every phase of the process responsibly. From documentation to delivery, we ensure that your relocation remains compliant, safe, and efficiently executed.
Schedule a consultation today to begin planning your Lion Cub Relocation UK International project with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documentation is required for lion cub relocation?
All moves require valid CITES permits, veterinary health certificates, and country-specific import or export licenses. We manage all of these requirements on your behalf
How far in advance should relocation planning begin?
We recommend beginning at least eight weeks before the intended relocation date to allow for veterinary checks, permit approvals, and logistics scheduling.
Can you coordinate relocations from multiple countries into the UK?
Yes, our services include complex routing and multi-leg transfers involving several international jurisdictions.
How do you ensure the cub’s welfare during long flights?
Our team collaborates with airlines and veterinary professionals to establish care routines that prioritise hydration, comfort, and minimal stress throughout transit.
Are your transport crates reusable for multiple relocations?
Yes, with inspection and minor refurbishment, our IATA-compliant crates can be used for additional transfers, provided they meet condition standards.
Do you handle group relocations for conservation programs?
Yes, we organise multi-cub relocations for coordinated conservation or breeding initiatives requiring synchronised transfers.
What happens if customs authorities require inspection during transfer?
We handle all liaison and documentation to ensure smooth inspection processes and immediate clearance once verification is complete.
Can we request on-site supervision at both departure and arrival points?
Yes, a dedicated representative can be present for oversight and welfare assurance at both ends of the route.
Do you manage temperature control during road transport?
Yes, all ground vehicles are equipped with temperature-regulated compartments and tracking systems for stable conditions.
What type of insurance is available for wildlife relocation?
We can connect you with specialised wildlife transport insurance providers to protect against unforeseen transit risks.