Four African lions rescued from war-torn Ukraine have taken their first steps on grass at their new permanent home in Kent, England. Rori, Amani, Lira, and Vanda have joined Yuna, who arrived at the sanctuary in August 2024, completing a 10-month rescue mission to bring these majestic animals to safety.
This milestone coincides with the official opening of the Lion Rescue Centre at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, a facility built specifically for these survivors following a successful £500,000 fundraising campaign that garnered widespread public support.
From Warzone to Wildlife Haven: The Lions’ Journey
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“We are so relieved to have these lions safe and settled in their forever home,” said Cam Whitnall, managing director of The Big Cat Sanctuary. Seeing the lions’ paws touch grass for the first time was described as an “emotional moment” for the sanctuary staff who worked tirelessly to make this rescue possible.
These five African lions endured unimaginable hardship before their rescue. According to sanctuary officials, the animals suffered from neglect and abuse, with four out of the five never having felt grass beneath their paws before arriving in Kent. Some were kept in concrete enclosures, while others were used for illegal breeding operations or kept inappropriately as family pets.
The physical and psychological toll of the war was evident in the lions’ condition upon rescue. Some suffered from shellshock due to heavy bombardment in Ukraine, while others were unable to stand properly. Yuna, the first lion to arrive at the sanctuary last year, was particularly traumatized after debris from a missile attack landed just 300 meters from her small enclosure.
Specialized Care Helps Lions Recover from Trauma
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The newly opened Lion Rescue Centre features enclosures specifically designed to provide these big cats with the ideal environment to recuperate from their traumatic experiences. Initially nervous in their new surroundings, all five lions are now gradually beginning to relax, play, and explore the natural habitat that many of them never experienced before.
The sanctuary’s specialized team is focusing on both the physical and psychological care needed to help these magnificent animals recover from their ordeal. Their rehabilitation program addresses not only their immediate health needs but also the long-term effects of the trauma they experienced in Ukraine.
Public Can Visit Rescued Lions This Summer
The remarkable story of these rescued lions will soon be shared with visitors, as the Big Cat Sanctuary has announced that the public will be able to see these resilient animals during open days scheduled for July. This opportunity will allow supporters to witness firsthand the positive impact of the successful fundraising campaign that made the rescue possible.
The lions’ journey from war-torn Ukraine to the peaceful Kent countryside represents not just a rescue mission but a testament to international cooperation in animal welfare during conflict. As these magnificent cats continue to heal and discover simple pleasures like feeling grass beneath their paws, their story stands as a powerful reminder of the innocent animal victims of human conflicts and the dedication of those working to save them.
