British conservationists have initiated a critical effort to save five lions from the devastating effects of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent is working to evacuate a group of African lions living in dire conditions near Kyiv.
The group comprises Rori, a male lion, and four lionesses – Vanda, Yuna, and sisters Amani and Lira.
These lions have endured severe hardships. Some were rescued from private homes where they were kept in poor conditions. Now temporarily housed in a shelter, they face the trauma of war daily.
The Big Cat Sanctuary is collaborating with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to relocate the lions and construct a new rescue facility. Cam Whitnall from The Big Cat Sanctuary explained their swift decision to act.
“When we learned about these lions’ heartbreaking situation, we knew we had to help, even though we currently lack the space,” said Whitnall.
“We immediately began working with IFAW to turn this idea into reality. It’s a race against time, but we’re committed to giving them the safe, permanent home they deserve after all they’ve been through.”
Natalia Popova oversees the lions’ temporary care and has been rescuing numerous wild animals and pets affected by the war, including bears, tigers, and peacocks. She described the lions as “frightened and confused,” with some knowing only the chaos of war.
“Some of these lions were born during the conflict and have been deeply affected by the violence. I’m relieved they now have a chance at a better life,” Popova said.
The war’s impact on the lions has been severe. Yuna, a three-year-old lioness, was discovered in February 2023 by military volunteers in a house where she had been confined with a male lion under poor conditions.
Both animals were likely being used for illegal breeding. Yuna was found in a tiny enclosure with a concrete floor and could not stand when she arrived at her current shelter.
In January 2024, debris from a Russian missile attack landed just 300 meters from Yuna’s enclosure, causing her a concussion. The blast left her disoriented, and she spent weeks cowering in fear.
Vanda, a one-year-old lioness, was rescued from an apartment in Southeastern Ukraine, where she had been kept as a pet. She had no access to sunlight and was severely malnourished.
Sisters Amani and Lira were saved from a breeding facility, where they lived with their parents in cramped conditions.
Rori, the three-year-old male lion, was also a victim of illegal breeding. When he was rescued in January 2023, he was unable to stand, likely due to the trauma of war.
The effort to rescue these lions is a testament to the dedication of those involved. Natalia Gozak, Wildlife Rescue Field Officer at IFAW, expressed relief that the lions are finally moving toward safety.
“Ukraine has seen so much tragedy, and these big cats are part of that story. I’m glad they are heading to a safer place. The Big Cat Sanctuary is offering permanent homes to these lions, including Yuna, whose psychological challenges made us worry she might not find a home,” said Gozak.
The costs of building a new rescue facility, transporting the lions, and providing medical care are significant, and the Big Cat Sanctuary is appealing to the public for donations to support the mission.
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