Lions rescued from war zone in Ukraine arrive at their new home

The pair were rescued from an area affected by heavy shelling in eastern Ukraine and moved through Kyiv, Poland, and Belgium to reach Scotland

Thu, 21 Nov, 2024 - 13:53

Ryan McDougall

Two lionesses which were rescued from a conflict zone in Ukraine have arrived at their new home in Scotland.

Luna and Plusza, both aged four, arrived at the Five Sisters Zoo, West Calder, West Lothian, on Wednesday night.

Two four-year-old lionesses, Luna(r) and Plusza, in Scotland after they endured the distress of conflict and displacement following the Russian invasion

The lionesses were rescued from an area affected by heavy shelling in eastern Ukraine in 2022, before being moved through Kyiv, Poland, and Belgium to reach the safety of Scotland.

Zoo officials said their purpose-built habitat offers the space and peace they need to recover and thrive after their challenging journey, marking a milestone in the zoo's history of animal welfare and rehabilitation.

Plusza was rescued from an area affected by heavy shelling in eastern Ukraine in 2022, before being moved through Kyiv, Poland, and Belgium to reach the safety of Scotland

Gary Curran, head of carnivores at Five Sisters Zoo, said: "The safe arrival of Luna and Plusza underscores our commitment to giving lions a second chance at life."

"Our team is ready to provide the care and support they need to live out their lives in peace, just as we have done for others before them."