Three lions, left frightened and huddled due to the shelling in Ukraine, are set to travel to the UK as the Yorkshire Wildlife Park has intervened. The charity appeal has successfully raised over £20,000 to cover the specialized travel expenses, enabling the lions – Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti – to move from the Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Kyiv to the safety of the Yorkshire park in Doncaster.
Oleg, rescued as a cub from private owners fleeing the Sumy region during the war, yearns for companionship with other lions. Meanwhile, siblings Rafael and Shanti were discovered in the Kharkiv region beside their emaciated mother, a lioness abandoned in a private menagerie.
The urgency to evacuate the lions from Kyiv arose as workers at the rescue center highlighted the daily shelling, causing distress to the animals. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park spokesperson confirmed that the funds raised have covered the travel costs, with final arrangements underway for the lions’ imminent arrival.
The WildLife Foundation, associated with the park, initiated the appeal to finance the rescue and the 2000-mile journey bringing the trio of lions to their new permanent residence in Doncaster. This marks the third lion rescue by Yorkshire Wildlife Park, known for providing a secure habitat for rescued lions over the years.
Cheryl Williams, a trustee of The WildLife Foundation, expressed delight in supporting another lion rescue to offer Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti a better life. The foundation’s donations play a crucial role in facilitating animal rescues and rehabilitations.
Director of Animals, Charlotte MacDonald, shared plans to integrate Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti into a pride, highlighting the lions’ survival and their upcoming safe haven in Yorkshire. The previous successful lion rescues at the park have garnered international recognition for providing a new lease on life for the rescued animals.
YWP CEO John Minion expressed anticipation in welcoming the new lions and gratitude for the generous donations that enable the park to fulfill its mission of rescuing and safeguarding these majestic animals.