A Ukrainian lion with “shellshock” is being driven 1,400 miles to start a new life in the UK.
Yuna has psychological issues and coordination problems after debris landed near her enclosure in January, according to a Kent animal sanctuary.
Yuna and male lion Rori – who’s also said to be traumatised following a “massive attack” on Kyiv – are the first of five lions being rescued.
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Yuna was originally found malnourished, had severe concussion and was living in a tiny 4m by 2m enclosure.
“There was a setback in her recovery when a large attack landed near her enclosure, leaving her traumatised again,” said UK-based The Big Cat Sanctuary.
But the future is brighter, and Yuna will now embark on a long drive from Kyiv’s Wild Animals Rescue Centre to Smarden in Kent.
Vanda, one of three cubs who will later make the same journey, is believed to have been kept in a flat without any outdoor access for about six months.
“I am happy, that at least for them, they are heading to a safer place,” said Natalia Gozak, who helped arrange the rescue on behalf of Wild Animal Rescue and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
“The Big Cat Sanctuary has offered permanent homes to the remaining lions, including Yuna who we feared might not be homed due to her psychological issues.”
Male lion Rori will first go to a temporary home in Belgium, where he’ll be joined by the cubs, and move to the Kent sanctuary when it’s finished building new enclosures.
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The charity has raised more than £311,000 of a £500,000 target that will pay for the construction, as well as veterinary treatment and transport costs.
Sam Whitnall, project lead at the Big Cat Sanctuary and presenter of CBBC’s One Zoo Three, said: “It’s been a huge effort from everyone involved.
“We have worked night and day for many months for this very moment and we can’t wait to get them to their forever home now here at the sanctuary.”