2 leopards to be released in S.Africa

Prince Albert of Monaco has officially handed over two leopards housed in his Jardin Animalier Zoo to a wildlife foundation.

Both animals were sedated in preparation for transfer to their new African home - the Born Free Sanctuary at the award-winning Shamwari Wildlife Reserve in South Africa.

The leopards, Pitou and Sirius, are brother and sister and originated from a French traveling circus.

They are both 16 years old and have been residents at the small cliff-top zoo in Monaco for five years.

The big cats will be released into a three-acre natural bush enclosure at the South African reserve. They will live out the rest of their lives surrounded by acacia trees in a rich natural setting.