In South Africa, more than 30 lions are beginning their first week in the land of their ancestors. For their entire lives, the animals have been circus attractions. Now they've been given a home in their natural environment - where they can live out their remaining days in peace.

The 33 lions were a little distressed - maybe a result of the long flight from South America. But that's nothing compared with the life they've known until they were rescued.

They'd been circus animals - held in cages and freed only because governments in South America are cracking down on the circus business.

Thirty-three lions rescued from South American circuses have arrived at South Africa.

"These lions never walked on grass. They never felt sun on their back. They've never sniffed a bush, they never sat under a tree. They never climbed anything," said Jan Creamer from Animal Defenders International.

Their poor physical state means the lions will never be able to hunt. - and will have to be looked after for the rest of their lives.

"Some have eyes missing, many of them their toes have been cut off, they can't grow claws, many of them their teeth have been smashed because in the circuses they smash them in the face with iron bars so the animals have suffered but they have such strength and dignity," said Creamer.

The rights group says this is the biggest lion airlift to date.

The lions have now been freed into large natural enclosures in the African bush. Here at their new home, they will be joining six other rescued lions and two tigers.

The first few days are likely to be difficult - and the lions will spend them in special enclosures, until they get used to the surroundings- and each other.

"They are showing a little bit of aggression, obviously a little bit scared, a little bit of anxiety which we all don't know how it's going to react - any of the lions- I mean they do know each other but they don't know each other in South Africa so they're in a different habitat, a completely different continent and they feel the need to protect themselves," said Savannah heuser from Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is hoping the animals will bond and quickly adapt and when they do, they'll be freed into a larger space - to taste a little freedom.