Five traumatised lions rescued from Ukraine’s war settle in UK

Rori a lion rescued from Ukraine settles into his new forever home at The Big Cat Sanctuary, near Ashford in Kent, England, Thursday, March 20, 2025. (Image: AP)

Three lionesses abandoned in war-torn Ukraine, one who was imprisoned in an apartment, and another who was too traumatized to move have all found safety. After an international rescue mission, these five lions are finally settling into their new life in England.

Lions Rescued from Neglect and War
Lionesses Amani, Lira, Vanda, and Yuna, as well as male lion Rori, were rescued from the combat zone in Ukraine. Owners abandoned them, and they were discovered close to the front lines. They traveled 12 hours to reach the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent after brief breaks in Belgium. They currently reside at the recently constructed Lion Rescue Centre, which was opened on Tuesday.

Rescued from Ukraine, lion sisters Amani and Lira settle into their new home at The Big Cat Sanctuary near Ashford, Kent, England, on Thursday, 20 March 2025. (Image: AP)

The lions were the victims of the illegal pet trade, according to Cameron Whitnall, the refuge director. "They weren't from zoos," he went on. Following missile shrapnel that exploded nearby, Yuna was locked in a small cell and shaken. Rori was abused in a private collection. Lira and Amani were likely bred for tourist photos. Underfed and covered with parasites, Vanda arrived and was kept in an apartment.

A New Start in the Sanctuary
The rescue was conducted by Natalia Popova, who has rescued hundreds of animals since Russia's invasion of 2022. She had lions, tigers, wolves, and monkeys at her shelter near Kyiv. Some were sent overseas to get them better.

Even though at first there was no space for them, Whitnall insisted on importing these five lions into Britain. More than £500,000 was raised in May 2024 from a fundraising campaign that covered medical treatment, transport, and enclosures specially designed for each lion's requirement. Safe, softly sloping areas were made available for Yuna and Rori, who have coordination problems. Although the lively Vanda loves a water feature, Amani and Lira began to climb trees.

After their rescue from Ukraine, lion sisters Amani and Lira settle into their new home at The Big Cat Sanctuary near Ashford, Kent, England, on Thursday, 20 March 2025. (Image: AP)

Wishing for a Better Future
The lions were settling in nicely, said park curator Briony Smith. "They're improving daily, but it's a process," she said. "Their care and welfare have improved a lot since then."

Yuna, who used to be immobile, has been transformed the most. Due to her massive trauma, she was nearly ready to be put down, yet she thrived in the sanctuary. Whitnall is delighted with how she's come along and spoils her on raw chicken legs.

He added, "When we picked her up, she was so frail." "Now that she's this beautiful lioness, we are over the moon."