Cat sanctuary meets target to rescue Ukraine lions

Yuna was left unable to stand or walk due to heavy shelling in Ukraine

A wild cat sanctuary rescuing lions from war-torn Ukraine has met its fundraising target to help provide "forever homes" for the animals.

The Big Cat Sanctuary, based in Smarden, near Ashford in Kent, said it had raised £500,000 to help rescue five lions and take them to its lion rescue centre.

The money will help transportation costs, veterinary treatment and a new habitat for the lions, which the sanctuary started creating in July.

African lioness Yuna was taken to its lion rescue centre in August, while the four others - Rori, Vanda, Amani and Lira - will join her in early 2025.

Rori, the male lion, is temporarily living in Belgium, along with three other lions

They are currently being kept in facilities across Belgium, including Pairi Daiza, Planckendael Zoo and Natuur Hulp Centrum.

Yuna's journey spanned six countries and lasted more than four days.

The sanctuary said she had suffered shell shock and psychological issues from heavy bombing in Ukraine.

She was found cramped in a concrete enclosure with an aggressive male, and the continued shelling left her unable to stand or walk, it added.

Rori and the other three lions will be reunited with Yuna at the Lion Rescue Centre in early 2025

Cam Whitnall, project lead at the Big Cat Sanctuary, said: "This achievement is truly special, and we can't thank everyone enough.

"Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira will now have the forever home they deserve."