The Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) has begun an appeal to save three lions from Ukraine.
The park in Doncaster said it plans to set up a fund to rescue animals affected by war, natural disasters, or illegal captivity.
It will initially rescue Oleg and his siblings, Rafael and Shanti, who currently live in captivity in Ukraine.
The lions would be returned to the UK wildlife park by the YWP’s animal welfare charity, the WildLife Foundation.
Heartbreaking Backstories Behind the Lions’ Plight
On the Easy Donate fundraising platform, YWP explains how Oleg was rescued as a cub from private owners who had escaped the Sumy area of Ukraine as fighting grew more intense. Brought up by humans, he now lives by himself in a rescue center because of lack of room.
YWP announced that brothers Rafael and Shanti were found in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. They were discovered alongside their moribund mother. The lions had been left behind in a domestic menagerie.
Wildlife experts called the rescue life-changing. Moving Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park would give them safety. It would offer them stability. A fresh start. And, most importantly, a chance to live in a protected and nurturing environment.
Continuing a Life-Saving Mission
It is the continuation of same activity last year. The YWP rescued a lioness and her three cubs in 2024 after they were abandoned when the war started in Ukraine. Public donations covered the cost of emergency transport, vet treatment and rehabilitation.
In March this year it was announced that mating between the mother and one of her sons had resulted in the birth of three lion cubs.
The YWP hopes that with continued support, more animals like Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti can be given safe refuge from the traumas of conflict and captivity. The park is encouraging the public to contribute to the fundraising drive and help make the rescue possible.
