Lion rescued from Ukraine takes first steps outdoors

A lioness rescued from war-torn Ukraine has taken her first steps exterior at a sanctuary in Kent.

Three-year-old Yuna, who has shell shock, arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden on 17 August and stayed inside her enclosure for per week.

But the sanctuary, which stated she had beforehand been confined to a small area on a concrete ground, stated she had “begun to disclose a playful and curious nature”.

This concerned venturing to the surface of her enclosure, feeling grass beneath her paws for the primary time and scratching timber and logs.

The sanctuary stated earlier than Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, she had been saved at a non-public house.

Rori, a male lion, is presently in Belgium and can be part of the sanctuary when a specifically constructed enclosure is accomplished in November.

Cam Whitnall, from The Big Cat Sanctuary, stated workers had been “chatting” to Yuna to assist her really feel comfy at her new house.

“She comes out for just a few hours every day now, however we’re monitoring her as a result of she’s nonetheless very wobbly,” he stated.

He added that different actions Yuna had taken up together with play combating vegetation and bark, and being bewildered by rain, having not beforehand had entry to an out of doors enclosure.

The sanctuary is aiming to lift £500,000 to finish the power to have the ability to finally deliver a complete of 5 lions from Kyiv to Kent.