Four lions rescued from war in Ukraine find refuge in UK village
- Four lions from Kyiv, Ukraine were saved from traumatic conditions and raised £500,000 by the Big Cat Sanctuary.
- Yuna was the first lion rescued in August, suffering from severe shellshock and nearly euthanized before recovery.
- The remaining lions are expected to arrive in early 2025, transitioning to life in large enclosures in England.
In August, Yuna, the first of five lions rescued from Ukraine, arrived safely in England after surviving harsh conditions in Kyiv amidst ongoing conflict. She faced potential euthanasia due to severe shellshock but has since recovered significantly, displaying a much calmer demeanor and even accepting food from human caregivers. The initiative to bring the lions to a more supportive environment involved raising £500,000 through the Big Cat Sanctuary to provide proper enclosures and care. The three other lions—Vanda, Amani, and Lira—together with Rori, are expected to arrive in early 2025 as the sanctuary prepares to ensure their well-being and proper integration into a new habitat that promotes social interactions, something that was almost impossible in their previous captivity. Cam Whitnall, who has passionately spearheaded this rescue mission, has expressed his hopes for a successful transition for all the lions, having witnessed their distress firsthand and understanding the significant challenges posed by their traumatic past experiences. The future for these big cats stands in stark contrast to their earlier lives, as they are poised to enjoy spacious, grassy enclosures and a more natural behavior pattern in their new homes, away from the terror of bombs and confinement.