The Big Cat Sanctuary’s story began with founder Peter’s heartfelt rescue of a tiger cub named Rocky from a circus. What started as a single act of compassion has grown into a powerful mission; transforming the lives of wild cats around the world.
Today, our sanctuary stands as a testament to Peter’s vision, relentless dedication, and unwavering commitment to providing these magnificent creatures with the care and freedom they deserve.
These achievements highlight our growing impact and reinforce our mission to protect and care for wild cats. With each rescue, we strengthen our commitment to extending help to more cats across the globe, wherever and whenever we are needed.
In May 2024, The Big Cat Sanctuary launched their first-ever major rescue mission: Big Cats in Crisis, with the aim of rescuing five African lions from war-torn Ukraine. The mission set a fundraising goal of £500,000, which helped to build a new Lion Rescue Centre, a dedicated facility designed to support the lions’ mental and physical well-being, as well as cover veterinary and transportation costs.
In August 2024, the first lioness, Yuna, arrived at the sanctuary, where a home had been prepared to welcome her. Meanwhile, the other four lions, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira, were residing in temporary facilities: Natuurhulpcentrum, Planckendael Zoo, and Pairi Daiza. By March 2025, the Lion Rescue Centre was complete, and the team were ready to welcome all the lions into their new forever home.
In total, all five lions travelled through five countries on their journey from Ukraine to the UK. They endured the devastating impacts of war and conflict, with Yuna and Rori suffering from shellshock and concussion.
Even before the war began, all five lions were living in conditions no lion should ever experience. Vanda was kept inside an apartment as a ‘pet’. Sisters Amani and Lira were used for cub petting and photo exploitation. Rori lived in a private menagerie, and Yuna was confined to a 4x4m concrete enclosure with an aggressive male.
Today, Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira are finally living the life they deserve, in peace and tranquillity. Thanks to the incredible support of our members and donors, we were able to complete this mission and give them a second chance at life.
Rori, suffering from shellshock and concussion from missile attacks in Ukraine
Vanda, severely under developed due to being deprived from sunlight and proper nutritions
Yuna, left unable to walk from shell-shock and from missile attacks in Ukraine
Rori, after arriving at The Big cat Sanctuary
Vanda, after arriving at The Big cat Sanctuary
Yuna, after arriving at The Big cat Sanctuary
In January 2024, the Sanctuary and its sister site, Hertfordshire Zoo, joined forces in their most ambitious rescue mission to date; a race against time to save and rehome around 25 rare, endangered cats from long-standing neglect. These cats came from the Cat Survival Trust in Welwyn, Hertfordshire and included both large and small species: among them the critically endangered Amur leopard, Pumas, Eurasian lynx, Servals, and the UK’s only Asian Golden Cat.
The animals had been living in inadequate, unsanitary conditions, far from the standard of care they deserve. Enclosures were soiled with faeces and littered with bones from meals left uneaten for months. Many of these magnificent animals faced the threat of euthanasia unless safe homes could be found quickly.
Thanks to the unwavering dedication of the team, every cat was successfully rehomed in the UK. Fortunately, not one cat was euthanised, outside those needing to on welfare grounds.
The Sanctuary proudly welcomed three of these cats: Rhys the Eurasian lynx, Boson the fishing cat, and Frank, the Asian Golden Cat. Each has a powerful story, marked by hope. Frank, the only Asian Golden Cat in the UK, now serves not only as a symbol of survival but also as a rare and valuable ambassador for his species, educating visitors and raising awareness about the vulnerable status of his kind on the IUCN Red List.
This mission was more than a rescue, it was a second chance. A promise that these cats, once forgotten, will now be cherished, protected, and given the lives they always deserved.
Boson at the Cat Survival Trust
Frank at the Cat Survival Trust
Rhys at the Cat Survival Trust
Boson at The Big Cat Sanctuary
Frank at The Big Cat Sanctuary
Rhys at The Big Cat Sanctuary
One meaningful way to support The Big Cat Sanctuary’s rescue initiative is by becoming a member. Memberships are available as monthly or annual donations, and they play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission: to rescue wild cats when viable and provide them with the best possible quality of life. We believe that no cat should endure a life of suffering, every cat deserves love and care.
Your contribution directly supports the rescue and lifelong care of these incredible animals, giving them a second chance at life while also protecting some of the world’s most endangered species.
Become a member today and help us ensure the highest standards of welfare for our cats, while making a lasting impact on big cat conservation.
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