Happy 2nd birthday to YWP’s rescued lion cubs

in Doncaster

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Emi, Teddi and Santa the Ukrainian lion cubs are celebrating their 2nd birthday at Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) today. Their first year wasn’t easy. Rescued from war torn Ukraine they were taken to a safe holding facility in Poland before finding a forever home in Yorkshire.

After a 2,000 mile journey they were reunited with their mum Aysa and are now loving life in the park’s natural surroundings.

Birthday treats

When the big day arrived park staff presented the cubs with some treats, a yellow ball and their favourite food: meat. At first the trio were a little wary of the new toys – approaching them tentatively before pouncing away like scaredy-cats. But soon they realised these were for fun and returned to enjoy the celebrations, much to the visitors delight.

Their second birthday is a far cry from their first spent in a small, dark box with no sunlight or space to play. Seeing them play in their new home is proof of how far they’ve come.

Recovery from a tough start

Before arriving at Yorkshire the cubs spent their first few months indoors with no stimulation. Now, six months on, they can be seen roaming in the park’s Lion Country – a 7 acre haven with 3 African lion reserves. They’re making the most of their new found freedom, enjoying the sunshine and feeling the grass beneath their paws.

According to Colin Northcote, Deputy Section Head of Carnivores,

“It’s great to see them running around like they’ve always been here. When I first saw them they were cowering in fear, now they’re thriving!”

An amazing journey

The cubs journey to Yorkshire is quite incredible. Abandoned during the Russian invasion in Ukraine’s Donetsk region Aysa and her cubs faced unimaginable hardship. Left with no food, water or shelter they were terrified by the constant bombing. But thanks to an amazing rescue operation that involved a 2,000 mile journey across 6 countries the family are now safe and happy.

Their story highlights not only the bravery of the rescue team but also the importance of wildlife conservation. In fact the family arrived in Yorkshire on World Lion Day, a global event to raise awareness of the declining lion population.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s legacy of lion rescues

Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster is no stranger to rescues like this. Back in 2010, it made international headlines by rescuing 13 lions from Romania, saving them from horrendous conditions. Today, two of those original lions still live in the park in their own reserve. The park continues to be a beacon of hope for animals in desperate situations.

With its strong focus on conservation, YWP offers visitors a chance to get up close with some of the world’s most endangered species, including Amur leopards, tigers, and black rhinos. This unique walk-through experience is just one of the reasons the park remains a top destination for animal lovers.

Looking to visit the park and see these incredible animals up close? Check out the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. If you’re into scenic walks, you might also enjoy the Pennine Way or a visit to Doncaster’s vibrant attractions.

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