Many animals in captivity have experienced real ordeal because of the war in Ukraine. Those who lived in the heart of the bombing zones were often evacuated as quickly as possible, but their journey was not easy to overcome.
For these animals raised in captivity, the bombings and the numerous transports from one zoo to another of course accentuate their emotional health. Some are stressed, others are totally traumatized, etc.
At just 4 years old, these two lionesses have already witnessed the war in Ukraine
Zoos that welcome animals rescued from another establishment in a war zone must therefore rehabilitate them. It is a second chance that is given to these animals in the hope of helping them live a new, more serene life far from dangers.
Many have had a more or less similar journey. Only a few months ago, a lioness rescued from the war in Ukraine took her first steps outside at a zoo in southeast England.
This time, it is a Scottish zoo which has decided to welcome two lionesses named Luna and Plusza. They are only four years old, but they have already experienced difficult times.
Animals from war zones face difficult challenges
The lionesses arrived this week at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian, Scotland. They were both from eastern Ukraine where they were privately owned. This war zone was hit by heavy bombing in 2022.
After leaving their place of origin, the two lionesses first passed through the Ukrainian capital kyiv, then Poland. They were then brought to the Natuurhulpcentrum animal sanctuary in Belgium.
The felines were thus rehabilitated at the Natuurhulpcentrum sanctuary before being able to continue their journey towards Scotland. Zoo officials said the lions from Belgium have plenty of space to “recover and thrive.”
Luna and Plusza will now have a peaceful life in this Scottish zoo
Indeed, “the safe arrival of Luna and Plusza underlines our commitment to giving lions a second chance at life,” says Gary Curran, head of carnivores at Five Sisters Zoo.
He emphasizes that the zoo wants to support and rehabilitate animals who have been through difficult times. The goal is to offer them a peaceful life. Moreover, Luna and Plusza are not the first animals rescued from Ukraine by the Scottish zoo.
Earlier this year, the Five Sisters Zoo welcomed an Asian black bear nicknamed Yampil. Aged 12, he also witnessed heavy bombings in Ukraine. Sadly, Yampil died a few months later after general anesthesia.
Source: BBC
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