Kent sanctuary raises £500,000 to rescue lions from war-torn Ukraine
- The Big Cat Sanctuary raised £500,000 to rescue five lions from Ukraine, covering transportation, veterinary care, and habitat construction.
- Lioness Yuna was rescued in August 2024, suffering from shell shock and found in poor conditions with an aggressive male.
- The sanctuary expressed gratitude for the donations, emphasizing the significant impact on the lions' lives and their future together.
In July 2024, The Big Cat Sanctuary, based in Kent, England, embarked on a mission to rescue five lions from war-torn Ukraine. The sanctuary sought to provide a safe haven for these animals after witnessing the devastating effects of the ongoing conflict. By August 2024, the organization had successfully transported African lioness Yuna to the Lion Rescue Centre in Smarden, following her traumatic experience of shell shock caused by heavy bombing. Yuna had been found living in dire conditions, cramped with an aggressive male lion, and her rescue journey spanned six countries over more than four days. She is now expected to witness a new life, experiencing grass for the first time after her rescue. The successful fundraising effort garnered a total of £500,000, enabling the sanctuary to cover crucial costs such as transportation, veterinary treatment, and the construction of a suitable habitat for the lions. This campaign, known as Big Cats in Crisis, particularly aimed to assist the most affected lions in Ukraine, with Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira being the prominent animals targeted for rescue. Project lead Cam Whitnall expressed immense gratitude toward supporters, emphasizing how each contribution has significantly impacted the lives of these lions. Currently, the remaining lions, including Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira, are in various facilities across Belgium, such as Pairi Daiza, Planckendael Zoo, and Natuur Hulp Centrum. Plans are underway to reunite them with Yuna at the Lion Rescue Centre in early 2025, marking the culmination of their extraordinary journey towards safety and freedom. As the sanctuary continues to develop the Lion Rescue Centre, which is in progress, the dedicated space is designed to provide a permanent home for these majestic creatures. The facility construction is expected to be completed in early 2025, aligning with the anticipated return of the remaining lions from Belgium, thus creating a new chapter in their lives as they adjust to their forever home.