We’re thrilled to announce that the Lion Rescue Centre is set to open in March, welcoming the five magnificent, rescued lions from war-torn Ukraine.
Major developments are underway at our state-of-the-art Lion Rescue Centre, soon to be the forever home for Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira.
The past few months have been a rollercoaster of challenges due to unforeseen circumstances. Building throughout the winter meant our dedicated team faced all kinds of weather, from icy mornings to relentless downpours, making conditions tough and muddy. But despite it all, we’re on track!
The exterior fencing is now fully complete, the landscaping is in place, and the lion house is nearly finished!
Next up, our team will be working tirelessly to put the final pieces of the puzzle together. This includes planting, turfing, and completing the roadways and pathways. Soon after, signage will be installed, helping to tell the story of our five lions and the development of the Lion Rescue Centre.
“This is it. Everything is coming together!” says Cam Whitnall, Project Lead at The Big Cat Sanctuary. “All the hard work is paying off, and we are inching closer every day to completing the Lion Rescue Centre and welcoming all the lions. Our team have been counting down to this moment, and now our end goal and vision is finally within reach!”
Once everything is in place, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira will make their long-awaited journey to The Big Cat Sanctuary, where they’ll be united with Yuna. Each of these lions has been in temporary care facilities across Belgium: Rori at Natur Help Centrum, Vanda at Planckendael, and Amani and Lira at Pairi Daiza.
All five lions deserve a second chance at life. When Yuna was found, she was left unable to walk, suffering from severe shellshock caused by missile attacks. Vanda is thought to have been kept in an apartment for 5-6 months without any outdoor access or sunlight. Rori was kept in a private menagerie and also endured shellshock. Meanwhile, Amani and Lira were exploited for photo opportunities and likely the result of illegal breeding.
The grand opening of the Lion Rescue Centre is just around the corner and each day we are getting closer to completion. Before we know it, these incredible lions will soon be living the lives they truly deserve at The Big Cat Sanctuary. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to celebrate this amazing milestone with us!
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