In May 2024, we announced Big Cats In Crisis, a campaign and plan to evacuate five lions Yuna, Vanda, Amani, Lira, and Rori from the Wild Animals Rescue Center (WAR) in Kyiv, Ukraine. This was to be done in association with IFAW. A fundraising campaign was set up to raise funds to support the project and the associated costs.
And in August 2024, Cross Border Animal Services (CBAS) evacuated our first two lions, Yuna and Rori from Kyiv. Rori was taken to the Natuurhulpcentrum in Belgium, while Yuna has arrived safely at The Big Cat Sanctuary. The other three lions are also all being cared for temporarily in zoos in Belgium, Lira and Amani in Pairi Daiza and little Vanda at Planckendael Zoo. All four lions being held in Belgium will join us at the Sanctuary as soon as the Rescue Centre is complete.
We are delighted that the Big Cats In Crisis campaign hit the £500,000 target which covers around the half the cost of the construction of the Lion Rescue Centre.
Donate now Find out more Become a MemberThe Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent is a centre dedicated to the conservation of wild cats, with the objectives of welfare, breeding, education and conservation. The initiatives undertaken are a vital part in saving some of the planet’s most endangered and iconic species from extinction.
The Sanctuary is proud to have contributed to the accredited global breeding programmes as well as donating to in-situ conservation projects. The centre offers personal big cat experiences including overnight stays, afternoon teas, photography workshops, ranger days and educational tours.
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