The Big Cat Sanctuary Achieves £500,000 Fundraising Milestone for Rescued Lions from War-Torn Ukraine

The Big Cat Sanctuary is thrilled to announce that they have successfully met their £500,000 fundraising target for the Big Cats in Crisis campaign. Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters worldwide, this milestone ensures a brighter future for five rescued lions who have endured unimaginable hardship in war-torn Ukraine.

The funds raised have helped to rescue five lions, Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani and Lira, out of Ukraine and build them a forever home, The Lion Rescue Centre in The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, UK. Work on the new habitat began in July and is expected to be completed in January 2025. Once finished, it will provide these brave lions with a calming and enriching environment where they can spend their days in peace and tranquillity.

“This achievement is truly special, and we can’t thank everyone enough,” said Cam Whitnall, Project Lead at The Big Cat Sanctuary. “This journey has been extraordinary, and every single donation, share, and moment of belief in our mission has helped transform the lives of these lions. Thanks to your incredible support, Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira will now have the forever home they deserve. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.”

Yuna, one of five lions rescued from war-torn Ukraine, has already begun her recovery at The Big Cat Sanctuary. Found in a cramped 3x4m concrete enclosure with an aggressive male, she suffered severe shellshock from heavy bombing. Initially cared for at the Wild Animal Rescue Centre with IFAW’s support, her recovery was tragically interrupted by more shelling, leaving her unable to stand or walk. Facing euthanasia, The Big Cat Sanctuary rescued Yuna in August 2024, and her life has since transformed. Now three years old, she’s experienced grass for the first time, engages in enrichment, and is reclaiming the life she deserves.

Vanda, Amani, Lira, and Rori are in temporary facilities across Belgium, including Pairi Daiza, Planckendael Zoo, and Natuur Hulp Centrum. The sanctuary receives regular, heartwarming updates, such as the sight of sisters Amani and Lira playfully chasing each other with sticks. The sanctuary awaits their arrival in early 2025 when all five lions will be reunited at the new Lion Rescue Centre.

The sanctuary extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this life-changing campaign. Each donation, no matter the size, has made a real difference. Completing this campaign is not just a triumph for the sanctuary but a testament to the power of collective action to improve the lives of animals in need.

As preparations continue for the lions’ arrival and the completion of the Lion Rescue Centre, the sanctuary encourages the public to stay involved by becoming members. Membership provides exclusive updates on the lions’ journey, their new life at the sanctuary, and the ongoing efforts to care for big cats and other residents. Together, we can ensure these lions—and others like them—live a life of peace, safety and hope.