.

VET Andy Fraser sits in a plane with three huge lions — hoping the only roar he hears is from the engines

The Kalahari lions, each weighing 200kg (31½st), were sedated for a private jet trip.

5
Vet Andy Fraser sits in a plane with three 200kg Kalahari lionsCredit: The Bateleurs/Triangle News

5
The lions were tranquilised and strapped into the private jet for the tripCredit: The Bateleurs/Triangle News

They were being moved across South Africa from one game reserve to another to reduce the risk of inbreeding.

Conservation group The Bateleurs, which has 200 volunteer pilots, said: “Kalahari lions are renowned for being the largest, with highly sought-after genes.”

5
The jungle kings were being moved across South Africa from one game reserve to another to reduce the risk of inbreedingCredit: The Bateleurs/Triangle News

5
The lions were moved by non-profit conservation group The BateleursCredit: The Bateleurs/Triangle News

5
Conservation group The Bateleurs said: ‘Kalahari lions are renowned for being the largest, with highly sought-after genes’