Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) in Doncaster has launched a heartfelt appeal to raise funds for the rescue of three lions currently trapped in captivity in war-torn Ukraine.
The park’s animal welfare charity, the WildLife Foundation, aims to bring the lions—Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti—safely to the UK, where they can receive the care and environment they desperately need. This mission marks the first step in a new initiative by YWP to support animals suffering due to war, natural disasters, or illegal captivity.
The Lions' Story: From Conflict Zones to Hope
Oleg, one of the lions awaiting rescue, was discovered as a cub in the Sumy region. After his private owners fled due to the escalating conflict, Oleg was taken to a rescue centre. Having been hand-raised by humans, he now lives alone due to space constraints.
Siblings Rafael and Shanti have a similarly tragic background. Found beside their dying mother in a private menagerie in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, they were abandoned during the chaos of war.
According to wildlife experts, relocating the lions to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park would provide them with a dramatically improved quality of life—social interaction, expert care, and a secure habitat.
A Continued Commitment to Wildlife Rescue
This is not the first time YWP has stepped in to help big cats in crisis. In 2024, the park successfully rescued a lioness and her three cubs left behind in Ukraine following the outbreak of war. Public donations funded their emergency transport, medical treatment, and rehabilitation. Earlier this year, it was reported that the lioness gave birth to three cubs following a mating with one of her sons, highlighting the challenges faced in crisis rescue environments.
YWP also has a long history of international rescues. In 2010, the park saved 13 lions from poor conditions in Romanian zoos. The last two of those lions were recently euthanised due to age-related health issues, closing an important chapter in the park’s rescue efforts.
How to Help
The fundraising campaign is being hosted on the Easy Donate platform, where supporters can contribute to this life-saving mission. Funds will be used for transportation, veterinary care, and the long-term welfare of the lions once they arrive in the UK.
To support the rescue of Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti, or to learn more about YWP’s conservation initiatives, visit the Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s official website or Easy Donate.