Three lion cubs stuck in war-torn Ukraine are now one big step closer to safety – and their new home might just be here in Yorkshire. But they can’t get here without help.
If you’re the kind of person who loves animals and can’t stand the thought of them suffering, this story might get you in the feels. Because this isn’t just about lions – it’s about survival, second chances, and a community coming together to make something amazing happen.
From danger to Doncaster – the cubs’ wild journey
Right now, three lion cubs – Oleg, Rafael, and Shanti – are living at a rescue and rehab centre in Kyiv. And while they’re being cared for, the situation in Ukraine is still dangerous, noisy, and totally unfit for growing lions.
- Oleg was found alone after his private owners fled the Sumy region as fighting escalated.
- Rafael and Shanti were discovered next to their dying mother in Kharkiv, after being abandoned in a rundown private menagerie. The mother lioness had been left to starve.
These aren’t zoo animals or pets. They’re wild creatures caught in a human mess, just trying to stay alive.
Now, the WildLife Foundation, supported by Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, is fundraising to give them a forever home right here in South Yorkshire. A safe space. Somewhere quiet, green, and actually built for lions – not bombs.
Why Yorkshire Wildlife Park?
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has a pretty solid track record when it comes to giving lions a second chance.
Back in 2010, the park rescued 13 lions from absolutely grim conditions in a Romanian zoo. That rescue was so successful, some of those lions lived out their years in peace. The last two of that original group – Carla and Crystal – only recently passed away.
Then, in 2023, they brought in Aysa and her cubs Emi, Santa, and Teddi from Poland, after the family was abandoned during the war in Donetsk.
So yeah – they know what they’re doing. And they’ve built spaces that give these lions the room, peace, and care they need to just… be lions.
Oleg, Rafael and Shanti – three cubs, one big mission
The idea is to bring all three cubs to Yorkshire. They haven’t lived together before – but they will once they get here.
“Oleg currently lives alone and so we are looking forward to introducing him to the others,” said Charlotte MacDonald, director of animals at the park. “Rafael and Shanti survived against all odds and are now inseparable, gentle and curious around people.”
Can you imagine that moment? Three cubs who survived so much finally meeting for the first time. It’s like a scene out of a Disney film – only real life.
What it takes to rescue a lion
Moving lions across countries – especially out of a war zone – is no small thing. There’s paperwork, travel crates, vet checks, special flights, and all the behind-the-scenes work to make sure it’s safe and stress-free for the animals.
It’s pricey. It’s tricky. And it only works if people chip in.
That’s where the WildLife Foundation comes in. They’re collecting donations to cover the costs and make the rescue possible.
Cheryl Williams, trustee of the foundation, put it simply:
“We are extremely proud of our previous rescues, and it is rewarding to see all of the lions settle into their home in Yorkshire. We hope that Oleg, Rafael and Shanti will enjoy the quality of life they deserve here.”
Even small donations can go a long way. A tenner might help cover travel costs. A bit more could help with food, medical checks, or safe transport.
Quick recap: what’s happening?
Let’s break it down:
- Three lion cubs (Oleg, Rafael and Shanti) are stuck in Ukraine.
- They’re currently safe-ish at a rescue centre in Kyiv.
- They need help to travel to Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster.
- The WildLife Foundation is fundraising now to make it happen.
- If successful, this will be the third major lion rescue the park has done.
Want to help?
You don’t have to adopt a lion (though that’d be cool). But if this story tugged at your heart a bit, you can help by donating directly to the WildLife Foundation.
Visit The WildLife Foundation to chip in.
Whether it’s £5, £50 or just sharing the story with your mates, it all helps bring Oleg, Rafael and Shanti one step closer to a new life – far away from the noise of war and into the peace and quiet of Yorkshire fields.
Because every lion deserves a pride, not a warzone.
