Three lions were rescued from the war-torn country of Ukraine and have found sanctuary at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after a challenging journey. The lions, named Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti, were saved from the chaos of exploding shells in Ukraine and brought to their new home in Doncaster.
The park rangers were overjoyed as the lions arrived safely after a three-day road trip from Kyiv, covering 1,700 miles. Despite facing a 15-hour delay at the Polish border, the lions finally reached their destination on Saturday morning. They will undergo health checks by the park vet before being introduced to the park’s ‘Lion Country,’ a five-acre award-winning enclosure.
Cheryl Williams, co-founder of the park, expressed her delight at the successful rescue, highlighting the importance of providing a safe haven for the lions away from the dangers of war. The lions rescued last year from Ukraine have already shown interest in the new arrivals, creating a sense of community in the park.
The rescued lions have unique stories, with Oleg being raised by humans and seeking companionship with other lions, while siblings Rafael and Shanti were found near their starving mother in a private menagerie. The urgency of their evacuation was emphasized by workers at the Kyiv rescue center, prompting swift action to ensure their safety.
As the lions settled into their new surroundings at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, they were warmly welcomed by the existing pride, including three new cubs. The park’s commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating lions is evident in their past efforts, including the successful relocation of 17 lions to Lion Country.
The arrival of Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti marks another chapter in the park’s dedication to wildlife conservation, building on previous rescues that have garnered international recognition. The lions rescued from Ukraine will now have the opportunity to recover and thrive in their new home, thanks to the ongoing support of The WildLife Foundation and the dedicated efforts of the park staff.