Three more lionesses evacuated from war-torn Ukraine

The Big Cat Sanctuary in the UK has successfully evacuated three more lionesses from war-torn Ukraine: Vanda and sisters Amani and Lira. Earlier this year, they had been rescued from illegal breeding and private ownership by Wild Animal Rescue in Kyiv. In collaboration with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Cross-Border Animal Services (CBAS), the lionesses were transported over 2,000 kilometres (1,300 miles) across three countries to safety in Belgium.

The lions were evacuated from Kyiv on Wednesday 18 September and arrived in Belgium on Friday 20 September. Vanda, around one year old, was kept as a pet in a flat in Southeast Ukraine with no access to sunlight or an outside area and was severely malnourished. She has been relocated to Plankendael Zoo temporarily. The sisters Amani and Lira, who were rescued together, are assumed to have been illegally bred for photo exploitation purposes and the cub petting industry. They stay temporarily at Pairi Daiza in Belgium, like Vanda and the male, Rori, until their permanent forever home, the Lion Rescue Centre at The Big Cat Sanctuary, is completed in late 2024.

'These are the happiest moments in my life, when animals that have suffered cruelty get a chance to live a decent life full of love and care!', says Natalia Popova from Wild Animal Rescue. 'And all efforts were not in vain! Big thanks to The Big Cat Sanctuary for giving a chance for a happy future to those who need it!'

This follows the Sanctuary's earlier success in evacuating two other lions from Ukraine-Yuna and Rori-on 14 August 2024. Yuna is already settling into her new habitat in Kent, where she walked on grass for the first time in her life. At the same time, Rori is temporarily housed at Natuurhulpcentrum until the Lion Rescue Centre at the Sanctuary is finished.

'We've done it! All five lions have been successfully rescued from the war in Ukraine! We couldn't have done this without the incredible help from Wild Animal Rescue, Cross Border, IFAW and our team and everyone who has donated and spread the word about this mission', said Cam Whitnall, Project Lead of The Big Cat Sanctuary and presenter of CBBC's One Zoo Three. 'Now that they're safe, our focus is on completing the Lion Rescue Centre and bringing them all to their forever home at the Sanctuary very soon.'

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