A NINE-month-old lion cub has been returned to its natural habitat after being rescued from a cage in a squalid flat.

The cub, now known as King, was discovered in a home in Paris by firefighters after his owner shared images on social media of his “exotic pet”.

King was taken to an interim rescue centre in Belgium before Horsham-based charity Born Free was able to move him safely to a reserve in South Africa.

Heart Sussex newsreader Marcella Whittingdale, from Brighton, accompanied King on his journey.

She said: “I was stunned and thrilled to be invited to join Born Free for the release of King.

“When the door of his crate went up and he shot out, there were tears all round.

“It’s been so wonderful bringing King’s story back to the Heart listeners, who are all such huge animal lovers.”

Marcella told The Argus King was found in a tiny, badly soiled cage with only a small amount of food and water.

He made the 6,000 mile trip to Johannesburg last Thursday.

Marcella said: “He was in a specially made crate, which a vet could access frequently to check on him.

“It was very tough on King and extremely stressful for everyone involved, it had taken an awful lot of planning.”

Passengers on the Kenya Airways flight from London were told of the “VIP guest” on board, who travelled in the cargo hold.

After a night spent in the care of vets at the reserve, it was time to settle King into his new home.

Marcella said: “We were woken up early and driven through the most beautiful wild, African landscape to King’s large enclosure.

“He cannot be released completely into the wild because he wouldn’t survive, but this is the very best next thing.

“Maggie Balaskas, from the charity, was on top of the crate. She said ‘ready, steady, go’ and boom, he shot out.

“Then he stopped when he realised he’d never been in such a big open space.

“He was lifting each paw up with every step as he’s never even walked on grass before.”

Dr Chris Draper, head of animal welfare and captivity at Born Free, said: “We were delighted to welcome Marcella along on King’s move, to witness first-hand everything that goes into moving a lion from Europe to Africa; from the stresses and worries to the final success and satisfaction of releasing him into his new lifetime home.”