A young lioness named Yuna has safely arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, marking a significant milestone in an international rescue effort. This lioness journeyed over 1,400 miles from the war-ravaged regions of Ukraine to her new home in the UK.
Yuna’s journey was far from ordinary. She was initially rescued from a house near a site of explosions and had lived under distressing conditions. The lioness faced bullying from another lion, Atlas, and was severely affected by the blasts that caused her shell shock and loss of coordination. After being surrendered to Wild Animal Rescue in early 2024, Yuna received support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
Yuna’s arrival is part of a larger operation to relocate several lions from Ukraine. The Big Cat Sanctuary is preparing to accommodate these animals, but currently has facilities ready for just one lion. The remaining lions are being temporarily housed in Belgium until permanent enclosures are constructed.
Rori, a male lion, was transported alongside Yuna but was dropped off at Natuurhulpcentrum VZW in Belgium. Rori, like Yuna, suffered from shell shock and was rescued from a menagerie in Sumy. His recovery has been slow but promising.
Two young lion sisters, Amani and Lira, approximately one year old, will move to Pairi Daiza in Belgium. These sisters were rescued from a breeding facility and are in relatively good health due to their early care.
Another lioness, Vanda, was rescued from an apartment block near a nuclear power plant in Southeastern Ukraine. She was severely malnourished and stunted in growth. Vanda will be housed at ZOO Planckendael in Belgium until her permanent home is ready.
Cameron Whitnall of The Big Cat Sanctuary expressed the urgency and commitment to providing these lions with a secure and loving forever home. He emphasized the race against time to build suitable enclosures and ensure the best care for these animals.
Natalia Gozak, coordinating the evacuations for IFAW and Wild Animal Rescue, noted the importance of finding safe homes for these lions. The ongoing war in Ukraine has created a significant need for animal rescue efforts, and IFAW’s work is crucial in providing lifelong care for these big cats.
The Big Cat Sanctuary is actively building bespoke enclosures to accommodate the rescued lions. While most captive big cats cannot be returned to the wild, efforts are made to ensure they receive appropriate care and live out their lives in suitable environments.
Natalia Popova from Wild Animal Rescue expressed relief that the lions are heading to safer places. She highlighted the trauma these animals have faced and the ongoing efforts to provide them with a better life.
The remaining lions are set to stay in Belgium temporarily while construction for their new enclosures in the UK progresses. Once complete, these big cats will be welcomed into their new homes at The Big Cat Sanctuary.
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