Three lions, left frightened and huddling due to the shelling in Ukraine, are set to relocate to the UK as the Yorkshire Wildlife Park has intervened. A fundraising effort has successfully gathered over £20,000 to cover the specialized travel expenses from the conflict-ridden region. The trio of lions, named Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti, are expected to depart the Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Kyiv for Doncaster soon, seeking refuge in the renowned park known as ‘lion country’.
Oleg, who was rescued as a cub from private owners fleeing the Sumy region amid the war escalation, has been raised by humans but yearns for companionship with fellow lions. Rafael and Shanti, siblings discovered in the Kharkiv region next to their ailing mother, a lioness abandoned in a private zoo and left to starve, are believed to be around one year old.
The urgency to evacuate the lions from the Kyiv center was stressed by staff due to ongoing shelling, causing distress among the animals. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park spokesperson confirmed that the required funds for the lions’ travel have been secured, and the necessary paperwork is in progress for their imminent arrival at the park.
The WildLife Foundation, the park’s associated charity, initiated a campaign to finance the rescue and facilitate the 2000-mile journey bringing the lions to their permanent home in Doncaster. This marks the third rescue operation undertaken by the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which has previously welcomed 17 lions to its Lion Country habitat spread across three specially designed reserves.
Cheryl Williams, a trustee of The WildLife Foundation, expressed satisfaction in supporting the lion rescue, aiming to provide Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti with the quality of life they deserve. The Foundation’s efforts in fundraising for the lions’ rescue, transportation, and rehabilitation have been pivotal in ensuring the success of these endeavors.
Plans are underway to integrate Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti into a pride for the first time, allowing them to live together in harmony. Following their remarkable survival stories, Rafael and Shanti, now bonded and gentle around humans, will find security in their new Yorkshire home.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s history of rescuing lions dates back to 2010 when 13 African Lions were brought to the facility, garnering international recognition for providing a better life for the animals. The subsequent rescues, including the relocation of Aysa and her cubs from Ukraine to Yorkshire, have further solidified the park’s commitment to animal welfare.
CEO John Minion expressed anticipation in welcoming the new lion residents, emphasizing the park’s pride in conducting these rescue missions. The overwhelming support through donations has been instrumental in fulfilling the park’s mission to save and care for these lions.