Lion Sisters Amani and Lira, Rescued from Ukraine, Find Sanctuary at The Big Cat Sanctuary in England

After enduring trauma in Ukraine, lionesses Amani and Lira have found a new home at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, England. These sisters, along with fellow lions Rori, Vanda, and Yuna, were rescued from war-torn Ukraine, where they suffered neglect and abandonment. The lions, victims of the illegal pet trade, were saved by Natalia Popova's Wild Animals Rescue Center near Kyiv. Amani and Lira, believed to have been used for tourist photos as cubs, join others like Yuna, who was shell-shocked by missile debris, and Vanda, who was malnourished and infested with parasites. The Big Cat Sanctuary raised over £500,000 to transport and care for the lions, creating enclosures tailored to their individual needs. Staff report the lions are adapting well, showing improvements in their welfare and overall well-being.