The Lion Rescue Centre was officially opened at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent, on Tuesday 25th March 2025, by the charity’s ambassador – Paul Hollywood from Great British Bake-Off.
A fundraising campaign collected £500,000 to build the centre which will be the new ‘forever home’ for the lions Rori, Amani, Lira, Vanda and Yuna. In Ukraine, many animals were left hungry, cold, and alone as a result of the invasion. But thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers, veterinarians, and the dedicated team at The Big Cat Sanctuary, these lions now have a new home.
All five were found near the frontline in Ukraine, neglected and abandoned by their owners.
Yuna, a three-year-old female, was rescued after living in a 3×4 metre enclosure with a bare concrete floor.
When evacuated, she could not stand because of severe concussion caused by shell shock from heavy shelling during the war.
Rori, a three-year-old African male, was previously living in a private menagerie and was believed to be used for illegal breeding.
Vanda, a severely malnourished 18-month-old female, was rescued from a flat where she was being kept as a family pet without access to the sun.
Amani and Lira, both females about three years old, are sisters who were rescued together after being illegally bred and used for photo exploitation.
