Big Cats in Crisis

Rori (approximately 3 years old) was discovered in a private menagerie and was found alone. The Russian invasion caused the menagerie to close in January 2023 and the Wild Animals Rescue team transported him to their sanctuary. He, like Yuna, is thought to have suffered shellshock and was displaying similar coordination problems as a result of the trauma. Rori is also thought to be suffering from Arnold Chiari syndrome, which is treatable. 

After two weeks of intensive rehabilitation, Rori was able to stand again. Thanks to an improved diet, his coordination and weight are slowly improving. He currently lives alone and spends his time in both indoor and outdoor enclosures. The rescue centre is hopeful that he will make a full recovery in time. 

(Rori, a male lion)

On January 24th, 2024, the Wild Animal Rescue team then evacuated two female lionesses, named Amani and Lira (approximately 1-2 years old). They were born in approximately September 2022 and are sisters and they were found to be living in a 300m² enclosure. Both cubs appear fit and healthy and have not required any veterinary treatment thus far. 

(Amani and Lira, the two lioness sisters)

Another lioness, Vanda (approximately 1-2 years old), was found by a member of the Ukranian military in February 2024, in a small apartment building near the frontline. It is thought that she had been kept in the apartment for 5-6 months without any outdoor access or sun and had been raised on an inappropriate diet. With the help of the animal charity HAU in Ukraine, she was transported to the Wild Animals Rescue Centre, where she was found to be infested with parasites and was displaying signs of rickets. She is now under the care of the veterinary team and her diet has been much improved. 

(Vanda, the youngest lioness)

The dedicated team at The Big Cat Sanctuary are racing against time to raise vital funds to get the five lions out of Kyiv and safely to Kent, where they can live in peace. The Big Cat Sanctuary is now building a rescue centre to ensure the best care for the five lions in Kyiv. The charity is asking the public to support them in giving the five traumatised five lions a new chance at life. 

The donations raised for the project will go towards the transportation costs of moving the cats out of Ukraine and to their temporary holding facilities and ensuring the cats will receive the care they need. While they are living at their temporary facility, we will build a new lion rescue facility beside the current Project Lion enclosures. Once built, they will be welcomed into their forever homes.

(Natalia Povova working at Wild Animal Rescue Centre, where all five lions are temporarily residing)

While a seamless journey is not guaranteed, The Big Cat Sanctuary is dedicated to taking every possible precaution to ensure that the cats arrive safely. Cam Whitnall, Strategy and Development Manager states, “When the opportunity came up to rescue lions from Ukraine, we jumped at it. As a family, we’ve always wanted to play a key part in rescuing big cats. There’s a long way still to go, but we can’t wait to rescue them and give them a forever home at the Sanctuary.”  The Big Cat Sanctuary turns to the public for their generosity, as the expenses associated with building the new rescue facility, transporting the lions, and veterinary care are substantial.

The charity is eager to raise awareness and funds for the five traumatised lions that are in desperate need of a new home. The public can donate to this incredible cause and be a part of an important mission to remove these cats from a warzone to safety and refuge.

They can’t ask for your help… but The Big Cat Sanctuary can.

Become a Member or Donate Today. 

Source: thebigcatsanctuary.org