Male lion Rori, rescued from war-torn Ukraine in August, has taken his first steps outdoors and onto grass at NatuurHulpCentrum, a wildlife shelter in Oudsbergen, Belgium. The centre specialises in caring for sick, injured, and rehomed native and exotic animals.
After spending a month in quarantine, Rori moved into an outdoor enclosure following a routine health check to ensure he was fit for his new surroundings. “Rori has been thriving, enjoying his space and often lounging on a small hill, where he strikes a regal pose like the ‘Lion King,’” says Frederik, a spokesperson for NatuurHulpCentrum.
“It was wonderful to see Rori again and hear how well he’s doing,” says Cam Whitnall, Project Lead at The Big Cat Sanctuary. “We eagerly await his arrival at his forever home in the UK.”
Rori had been living in a private menagerie in the Sumy region of Ukraine, likely used for illegal breeding. The menagerie was disbanded and shelled during the invasion. When the Wild Animal Rescue team reached him on January 18, 2023, he was suffering from severe coordination issues, likely caused by shell shock.
Along with four lionesses—Yuna, Vanda, Amani, and Lira—Rori will soon move to The Big Cat Sanctuary once its Lion Rescue Centre is completed later this year.
To help provide these lions a safe, permanent home, The Big Cat Sanctuary is just £40,000 away from reaching its £500,000 target to complete the Lion Rescue Centre. Donations will help secure a peaceful future for these magnificent animals.
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