A group of conservationists are planning to move seven lions from South Africa to Rwanda. For the first time in 15 years, the east African country will finally have these majestic creatures back in its homeland.

In a journey via land and air that will last for 24 hours, five female lions and two male ones will be transferred to Rwanda's Akagera National Park on Monday. They have been held in Phinda and Temble Elephant Park wildlife preserves, UPI learned.

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Before the transport, they will be tranquilized and placed in individual steel containers. A truck will then take them to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for a plane ride.

Each one will have its own collar, so that the park managers can watch over their movements. They will be quarantined for two weeks, once they arrive, before their release in the wilderness, All Africa reported.

What makes them special among the others? Why did the group choose them?

These lions were selected based on their reproductive capability. The genes they're carrying may differ, but the group believes that these chosen species can contribute to social solidarity.

Social cohesion is important because they are the only member of the cat family that lives in groups or "prides." Consist of 15 lions, members of a pride enjoy good fellowship whenever they are resting.

Rwanda senior tourism officer, Yamina Karitanyi, hopes that the return of lions to Akagera will attract more tourists.

It was in 1994 when the lion population was wiped out after the genocide in Rwanda. About 800,000 people, mostly from Tutsi minority, were murdered over the next three months by Hutu majority due to ethnic tension, which originated decades ago.

Following this humanitarian crisis, refugees returned to their land. According to African Parks, they poisoned these lions to protect and save their cattle.

Recent research reveals that there are only 21,000 lions remaining in Africa. Since 1950, their population significantly decreased by 50 percent.

Few weeks ago, the International Union for Conservation of Nature included lions in the "red list," which means they are already facing survival threats.

The population drop was due the trade in lion bones and body parts to be made into African traditional medicine, according to CTV News.

TagsConservation, lions, rwanda, South Africa, genocide