Wylie responsible for strategic projects
Feb 26, 2026 at 9:47 AM
The rescue of the lion Erion from illegal captivity in Albania exemplifies the successful collaboration of various institutions in the rescue of a wild animal, as recently reported by the Main Customs Office Saarbrücken. Erion was seized by Albanian authorities after the poor living conditions on a private property became known. It is suspected that the lion was part of the illegal wildlife trade. His exact origin remains unclear.
Transport across multiple countries
The transport of Erion over more than 2,000 kilometers through seven European countries took four days. During this time, the lion was accompanied by specialized wildlife veterinarians and experienced animal welfare and transport teams, who ensured his care and safety, according to the customs office.
The Customs Office Pirmasens was involved in the import of the animal. Upon arrival at the wildlife station, customs officers, together with a veterinarian, verified the identity of the lion. The so-called identity verification is intended to ensure that the animal has indeed arrived. In this case, this was confirmed by an implanted microchip and a comparison with the corresponding documents.
Karin Schmidt, spokesperson for the Main Customs Office Saarbrücken, emphasized the responsibility of customs in cross-border trade of goods and animals: “Our task is to monitor compliance with legal regulations. Especially in sensitive transports like this one, careful control is essential.”
