Rescued Ukrainian lions start new life in Doncaster

A family of lions rescued from Ukraine have been released into their new home at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Aysa and her three 18-month-old cubs Emi, Santa and Teddi were rescued from the war-torn Donetsk region and arrived at the park in Doncaster in March.

Before coming to South Yorkshire, they spent nine months at a sanctuary in Poland, where the youngsters were separated from their mother and unable to go outside,

The park said it was "heartwarming" to see the family reunited.

Mum Aysa and her cubs were playing on the grass of the lion enclosure within minutes of being allowed outside.

Colin Northcott, deputy section head of carnivores at the park, travelled to Poland to meet the animals earlier this year.

Although they arrived in South Yorkshire in March they have spent the last two months in rehabilitation.

He said seeing them come outside together for the first time was a “huge moment” for him personally.

“I feel like a proud dad," he said.

"I feel like a parent taking a kid to school for the first time. I've been with them on this journey from day one so this is so heartwarming"

Colin Northcott travelled to Poland to help bring the lions to South Yorkshire

He said all four had been a little tentative when the enclosure gates were first opened, but were soon enjoying the space.

Mr Northcott said it was "brilliant how quickly they adapted to their surroundings".

"They were definitely nervous at first but now they've explored all the land and split up from each other too.

"They look really confident and I know are visitors are going to love them."

The enclosure was originally built for another group of rescued lions from Romania.

Two of those lions still live at the park.