In the tranquil village of Smarden, England, a heartwarming tale unfolds as five lions find sanctuary after escaping the horrors of war in Ukraine. Among these majestic creatures is a lioness who spent her life inside an apartment, malnourished and suffering. Another, severely traumatized, struggled to walk. These lions are part of a group rescued from the conflict zone in Ukraine and have been transported to a sanctuary in England after a multinational rescue mission.
Named Rori, Amani, Lira, Vanda, and Yuna, these lions embarked on a journey that brought them from temporary shelters in Belgium to the Big Cat Sanctuary in England. Their new home, a dedicated Lion Rescue Center, is set to open this week, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards recovery.
Abandoned by owners near the battle lines, each of these lions carries its own painful story from the illegal pet and wildlife trades. Cameron Whitnall, the managing director of the sanctuary located southeast of London, emphasizes that none of the lions originated from zoological institutions. Instead, Yuna endured life in a confining brick cell, suffering shell shock after missile debris landed nearby. Rori, meanwhile, endured neglect in a private animal collection. Sisters Amani and Lira’s existence likely started as tourist attractions when they were mere cubs, whereas Vanda, kept within the confines of an apartment, was riddled with parasites.
Under care at their new refuge, the lions are beginning to regain their natural spirit. Whitnall expresses hope that Vanda, along with her companions, will “become the lion she deserves to be.” This rescue was orchestrated by the Wild Animals Rescue Center, directed by Natalia Popova in Ukraine. Since the onset of Russia’s extensive invasion in 2022, she has been instrumental in saving numerous animals from peril—lions being only a fraction of the diverse wildlife that has passed through her refuge.
Many of these animals, including big cats, have been sent abroad for rehabilitation. The Big Cat Sanctuary’s determination to house the Ukrainian lions saw a successful fundraising initiative, which in 2024 accumulated over 500,000 pounds ($650,000) to address transportation, medical care, and housing costs for the new inhabitants.
Each lion’s new habitat is tailored to their specific needs, designed to enhance their recovery and comfort. For instance, Yuna and Rori, who have movement difficulties, enjoy specially landscaped environments, while Amani and Lira can indulge in their arboreal instincts with ample trees. Vanda, with her playful disposition, has access to a water feature.
Briony Smith, the curator responsible for their daily care, notes the swift adaptation of the lions to their new settings. She commends their resilience, saying, “You can already tell that there is improvement in their care and their welfare.” Both Smith and Whitnall, who have already formed a deep connection with Yuna, marvel at her transformation since arrival.
Reflecting on Yuna’s condition when rescued, Whitnall recounts how dire her situation was. The lioness, once considered for euthanasia due to her severe shell shock and injuries, has blossomed under the sanctuary’s care. “She’s a beautiful lioness now,” Whitnall shares, cherishing moments of feeding her the favored raw chicken legs. The story of these lions showcases not only their recovery but the extraordinary efforts of those determined to offer them a second chance at life.