By Alexander Robertson For Mailonline
Published: 14:25 GMT, 1 March 2019 | Updated: 14:25 GMT, 1 March 2019
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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.
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
