Four lions rescued from Ukraine find forever home in UK

(London, 22 March 2024) – A lioness and her three cubs have arrived safely at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, UK from war-torn Ukraine.  

Since June 2023, the big cats were cared for at Poznań Zoo in Poland while permanent homes were secured, according to IFAW which was involved in the evacuation from Ukraine.   

The mother lion, three-year-old Asya, was rescued while heavily pregnant from a private breeder in the eastern front and gave birth to three lion cubs in October 2022. The cubs, named Teddi, Emi and Santa have had a traumatic start in life, but have been fortunate to remain with their mother throughout their ordeal.  

The lioness was surrendered to Wild Animal Rescue near Kyiv after the owners fled the war. IFAW then worked with the centre to organise the rescue and transportation to Poznań Zoo where they remained during health checks and onward arrangements could be made. The big cats have now been moved to their permanent home at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster in the UK. 

“At long last – this family of lions who have been the unlikely victims of this invasion, are safe and sound. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is well placed to offer these big cats a good life in the park’s Lion Country area, where they have housed numerous lions, often rescued from traumatic situations,” says Natalia Gozak, Wildlife Rescue Field Officer (Ukraine) at IFAW. “They will be safe, secure and most importantly – out of the warzone.” 

As the majority of big cats bred in captivity have limited care options and cannot be released back to the wild, IFAW, animal welfare groups and partners work to identify suitable homes where they will receive lifelong care.  

“Wild animals born in captivity and rescued from these situations cannot return to the wild so providing quality lifelong care is the priority. Housing options can be scarce, and the ongoing war has caused a marked influx of animals needing homes, straining the already limited number of suitable venues with capacity,” added Gozak. “Lions do not make suitable pets - they are wild animals so require expert specialist care to best meet their physical and psychological needs.” 

“It’s a scary time for everyone here in Ukraine. But for these big cats that were in the conflict zone—they must have been so frightened and confused. Although there are many more animals that need rescuing—I am relieved these lions now have a better life ahead,” Natalia Popova, Wild Animal Rescue, said.  

ENDS 

Press contact:

For questions or interviews, please contact: 

Kirsty Warren 
Senior Communications Manager 
+44 (0) 7809 269 747 
kwarren@ifaw.org