Pairi Daiza zoo takes in two lionesses from sanctuary in Kyiv
Two young lionesses born in Ukraine in 2023 have found temporary refuge at the Pairi Daiza zoo in Brugelette, Belgium. The sisters, who were probably born in illegal conditions, are recovering from their long journey in quarantine.
The lionesses, named Lira and Amani, came from the Wild Animal Rescue Centre in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Their background is unclear: it's possible they were exploited for commercial purposes and born in illegal conditions. They were in good health when they arrived at Pairi Daiza.
For the time being, they are being kept in quarantine following their journey. They will soon be given a home within the Pairi Daiza sanctuary, where visitors will be able to see them. This is only temporary, and they will move permanently to Kent in the UK.
Dozens of rescues
The Big Cat Sanctuary, a UK charity that works to protect feral cats worldwide, coordinated their journey, which began on 18 September. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Cross-Border Animal Services were also involved in the rescue.
Several lions from Ukraine are being cared for in Belgium. Vanda, a one-year-old lioness who was kept as a pet in an apartment in Ukraine, is now at Planckendael Zoo in Mechelen. Rori, who was destined for illegal breeding, was temporarily housed at the Nature Support Centre in Oudsbergen.
To date, IFAW has rescued 21 big cats and two wolves from the Wild Animal Rescue Centre and placed them in safer locations in Europe and elsewhere.
© PHOTO PHILIPPE HUGUEN / AFP
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