Rescue Operation for Ukrainian Lions Underway as Yuna Travels to UK Sanctuary

A lioness named Yuna, suffering from severe psychological trauma due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, is set to embark on a 1,400-mile journey to a sanctuary in the UK. The Big Cat Sanctuary, a charity based in Kent, is spearheading the rescue as part of its Big Cats in Crisis campaign. Yuna, along with a male lion named Rori, are the first of five lions being evacuated from Ukraine, where they have endured significant distress following missile attacks near their enclosure. Yuna, who has experienced "shell shock" and a loss of coordination, is expected to arrive at the sanctuary in Smarden, near Ashford, on Friday. Rori will temporarily stay at an animal rescue center in Belgium until his new enclosure in Kent is completed. The Big Cat Sanctuary has raised over £311,000 towards a £500,000 goal to cover construction, veterinary care, and transportation costs for the lions. The rescue operation has been a collaborative effort with the International Fund for Animal Welfare and has taken months of planning. The journey, which spans six countries, aims to provide a safe haven for the lions, including three cubs, Vanda, Ama, and Lira, who are also slated for rescue. The charity's project lead, Sam Whitnall, expressed gratitude for the collective effort, emphasizing the importance of providing these animals with a permanent home away from the war-torn environment of Ukraine.