Story highlights 33 lions, many in poor health, are rescued from circuses in Peru and Colombia

'Largest lion airlift' will fly them to a sanctuary in South Africa

(CNN) Zeus, Shakira, Ricardo and their fellow felines are ready to embark on a trip of a lifetime.

The 33 lions, many of them in poor health, were rescued from circuses in Peru and Colombia and are being taken to their homeland to live in an animal sanctuary in Africa.

The "largest lion airlift" will take place on Friday, organized by Animal Defenders International . The non-profit has worked with the Peruvian and Colombian governments to pass bans on wild animals in circuses.

"These lions have endured hell on earth and now they are heading home to paradise. This is the world for which nature intended these animals for," said ADI President Jan Creamer.

The rescued lions were found in poor conditions. Many of them had their claws removed and had broken teeth, according to ADI. One, Ricardo, is missing an eye and another is nearly blind.

Read More