Three lions who endured the terror of exploding shells in Ukraine were rescued and brought to Yorkshire Wildlife Park over the weekend. The rangers were overjoyed as the lions, Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti, completed a three-day journey from Kyiv to Doncaster, funded by public support. Despite a 15-hour delay at the Polish border, the lions safely arrived in Doncaster and will undergo health checks before joining the park’s five-acre ‘Lion Country’.
Cheryl Williams, the park’s co-founder, expressed her delight at the successful rescue and reunion of the lions. The previous lions rescued from Ukraine have warmly welcomed the new arrivals, showing great curiosity and interest.
The dedicated team at the park is optimistic about integrating the new lions into the existing pride, ensuring a smooth transition and a high quality of life for Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti. The lions’ caretakers are providing a supportive environment to help them recover from their traumatic past experiences.
The rescue mission was crucial as the Kyiv rescue center emphasized the urgency of evacuating the lions promptly. The lions’ arrival at Yorkshire Wildlife Park was met with relief and excitement as they settled into their new home. The team is committed to ensuring the well-being and comfort of the rescued lions as they adapt to their surroundings.
The successful rescue of these lions adds to Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s legacy of saving and providing a safe haven for wildlife in need. The park’s efforts have received international recognition for their compassionate and effective animal rescue missions.
