Shell-shocked lioness Yuna rescued from Ukraine takes first steps outside

Sky News

Updated 29 August 2024 at 8:19 am·1-min read

A shell-shocked lioness rescued from Ukraine has taken her first steps outside in her new home in a Kent sanctuary.

Yuna is said to have shellshock, psychological issues and coordination problems after missiles exploded near her enclosure in January, The Big Cat Sanctuary said.

The three-year-old arrived at the sanctuary in England on 17 August after a lengthy trip across Europe.

Ukraine war latest: Russia's air attacks this week 'cost Putin £1.1bn'

But she spent the first week inside her enclosure before finally venturing out on Thursday.

The sanctuary said before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Yuna had been kept in a 3x4m concrete space in a private home.

Eventually, she was discovered and taken to Wild Animal Rescue.

The Big Cat Sanctuary, along with partners, worked to evacuate Yuna and a male lion before taking her on a five-day journey to the UK, driving across Europe.

"All the hard work has paid off for this very moment. Rescuing Yuna from the war in Ukraine, giving her a second chance at life, and now seeing her feel fresh air and grass for the first time - it's incredibly special and beautiful," Cam Whitnall, project lead at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said.

"It's been an incredible team effort from everyone involved, and we're so pleased that she's settled in so well here at The Big Cat Sanctuary."

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