Rescued circus lions Vigo and Kumba arrive in Britain ahead of Brexit

A pair of rescued circus lions have arrived in the UK from Spain today amid fears that changes to customs post-Brexit could prevent them entering the country.

Worried bosses at Isle of Wight Zoo said there was ‘no way of knowing’ when lions Vigo and Kumba might arrive after Britain leaves the European Union.

Port of entry and customs changes after March 29 may complicate transporting big cats and cause lengthy delays, the zoo claimed.

Vigo and Kumba, who weigh 200kg each, have spent their lives so far in small compartments on a lorry, let out only when forced to perform as part of a travelling circus

Rescued circus lions Vigo and Kumba arrive at their new home of the Isle of Wight Zoo

Brexit delays would have also mean five-year-old brothers Vigo and Kumba would have been forced to spend longer at a temporary rescue centre in Alicante.

Fearing the worst, Isle of Wight Zoo scrambled to raise £20,000 to cover the urgent transport costs so they could bring the lions to the UK.

Naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham was among those who called for people to donate to the fund to help rush them into the country.

Now the lions have arrived at their new permanent home following a 36-hour journey in which they travelled 1,300 miles by road, ferry and the Eurotunnel.

The Zoo scrambled to raise £20,000 to cover the costs so they could bring the lions to the UK

Vigo and Kumba, who weigh 200kg each, have spent their lives so far in small compartments on a lorry, let out only when forced to perform as part of a travelling circus.

The Wildheart Trust, which operates the Isle of Wight Zoo, raised £20,000 and used public donations to cover urgent transport costs.

The trust’s chief executive, Veronica Chrisp, said: ‘We faced major issues with the logistics of bringing these two majestic animals to their new safe haven here at the zoo and we were extremely worried about the impact of Brexit or possibly no deal on Brexit.

‘With all sorts of industries racing to import and export goods prior to the official Brexit there was a very real chance that we couldn’t find or afford a way to get Vigo and Kumba to us before March 29.

Now the lions have arrived at their new permanent home following a 36-hour journey

‘There was no way of knowing when we would be able to transport them over after we left the EU – we knew Brexit could potentially slow down the process of bringing them to the zoo.

‘We made a vow to these lions that we would give them a safe space and get them away from being transferred around, and so we wanted to get them over before Brexit so there was no risk of keeping them waiting in Spain any longer than they needed to be.

‘Along with gift aid we have now hit our £20,000 target to pay for the transport for the cats and changes to the enclosure before their arrival.

‘During the winter our cash flow is less than in the summer so the donations have been a huge help to us.

The lions have travelled 1,300 miles by road, ferry and the Eurotunnel to the Isle of Wight

‘They set off on their journey on Tuesday and arrived yesterday, it was a 36-hour journey.

‘Everyone is absolutely delighted that we have been able to get the lions across promptly – they are beautiful cats and absolutely huge, they are about six feet in length.

‘Our main concern with Brexit has been making sure we don’t lose some of our food suppliers, which we have dealt with accordingly.’

The Isle of Wight Zoo is a sanctuary inside the former Sandown Fort on the coastline of the island.

It is currently home to seven Asian tigers – six which were rescued after also performing in a circus. After Vigo and Kumba’s arrival, there will now be four lions.

Mr Packham is a trustee for The Wildheart Trust.