Three lions, left traumatized and huddling due to the conflict in Ukraine, are set to be relocated to the UK by the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The initiative, backed by a successful fundraising campaign exceeding £20,000, will cover the specialized travel expenses from the war-torn nation. Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti, believed to be around one year old, are the three lions in question.
Oleg, initially rescued as a cub from private ownership in the Sumy region during the wartime escalation, yearns for companionship with fellow lions. Meanwhile, siblings Rafael and Shanti were discovered in the Kharkiv region alongside their ailing mother, a lioness abandoned in a neglected private menagerie and left to starve.
The urgency of the situation was emphasized by the staff at the Kyiv rescue and rehabilitation center, stressing the imperative need for a swift evacuation to ensure the animals’ safety. The lions’ anxiety and distress were evident, with some exhibiting signs of refusal to eat and agitation within their enclosures.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park spokesperson confirmed that the required funds for the lions’ transportation had been secured through donations, and the necessary paperwork was being finalized for their imminent transfer to the park. The Wildlife Foundation, operating from the park, initiated the fundraising efforts to support the lions’ rescue and facilitate their relocation to their new permanent home in Doncaster.
This endeavor marks the third lion rescue undertaken by Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which has previously provided sanctuary to a total of 17 lions in its expansive Lion Country habitat. Cheryl Williams, a trustee of The Wildlife Foundation, expressed delight in being able to assist in saving these lions and providing them with a better life.
The successful rescue missions carried out by the foundation have been made possible through generous donations, enabling the organization to continue its efforts in animal welfare and conservation. The incoming lions, Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti, will be introduced to each other for the first time to live together as a pride, offering them a secure and nurturing environment in Yorkshire.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s commitment to lion rescue dates back to 2010 when 13 African Lions were relocated to the park, garnering international acclaim for their compassionate efforts. Subsequent missions, including the recent rescue of Aysa and her cubs from Ukraine, have further solidified the park’s dedication to providing a safe haven for endangered animals in need.
The rescued lions, now thriving in their new surroundings at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, serve as a testament to the impact of these rescue operations in improving the lives of these majestic creatures. YWP CEO John Minion expressed anticipation for the arrival of the new lions and gratitude for the overwhelming support received, underscoring the park’s ongoing mission to safeguard and care for these magnificent animals.