Ukrainian Lions Rescued From War Arrive At British Sanctuary

Lions Freed from War-Torn Ukraine

Five lions impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict have been transferred to a British wildlife sanctuary courtesy of global agencies. Illegal pet and wildlife trade led some individuals in Ukraine to own lions but left them behind when war erupted. Consequently, these animals were neglected and found themselves stuck.

Hardy Conditions and Rescue Operations

Some of the lions that were abandoned were malnourished and sick as a result of the lack of nutritious food. Others were traumatized, paralyzed, and could not walk after going through bomb blasts and collapsed houses. Ukrainian rescuer Natalia Popova was key to the rescue of these animals. Through her wildlife sanctuary, she has rescued hundreds of wild animals and pets since the start of the full-scale war in February 2022.

Journey to Safety

The five lions—Rori (male), and females Lira, Amani, Wanda, and Yuna—were initially relocated from Ukraine to Belgium for short-term care. The lions were recently moved to Ashford conservation center in Britain, where they will get long-term protection, the center's managing director Cameron Whitnell explained.