Lions rescued from Ukraine released into Yorkshire Wildlife Park enclosure

Mum Aysa and her three 18-month-old cubs have made a 2,000 mile journey from Donetsk to Doncaster

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 7th May 2024

A lioness and her three cubs rescued from war-torn Ukraine have been allowed out into their enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park for the first time.

Mum Aysa was held at a sanctuary in Poland for nine months - separate from her babies - before making the journey across Europe to Doncaster.

After being reunited at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, they have now completed their rehabilitation and have been allowed out onto the grass for the first time.

Colin Northcott, Deputy Section Head of Carnivores, said: ‘This is the moment we have all been waiting for.

‘I am completely overjoyed that this is finally happening- we have been working so hard to get to this point.

"Mum Aysa and her cubs have all done so well with adjusting to their new home, I feel like a proud dad!"

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