After years of confinement and trauma, five rescued lions from war-torn Ukraine have found peace—and grass—at their new home in England. The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent welcomed Rori, Amani, Lira, and Vanda, who joined Yuna, another lioness brought over in 2024 after surviving a missile strike near her enclosure.
For four of the five lions, it was the first time they had ever stepped onto real grass. Used in illegal breeding or kept as pets, they had only known concrete and cages. Some arrived unable to stand, showing signs of shellshock from heavy bombing.
Thanks to a £500,000 fundraising campaign, the sanctuary opened a purpose-built Lion Rescue Centre designed for healing and rehabilitation. Sanctuary staff say the cats are beginning to relax, play, and explore their new habitat.
Public visitors will get the chance to see the lions this July, as their journey from survival to sanctuary becomes a powerful symbol of hope.