Lion Rescue 3 - introduced for the first time

This is the amazing moment an orphaned lion from Ukraine played with others of his kind for the first time at the award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

The trio of young lions rescued from Kyiv mixed together for the first time, representing a significant milestone in their rehabilitation.

Rangers watched tearfully while the lions chased a ball after they tentatively started enjoying their new free environment together.

29 October 2025

Oleg was rescued all alone from private owners and has been alone since birth. While siblings Rafael and Shanti were found in another abandoned private collection with their dying mother.

The three were transported in separate crates for the 1,700 miles from Kyiv to Doncaster.

They were first allowed them to see each other through a mesh fence. This allowed them to get used to each other’s scents.

After several weeks of getting to know each other, the decision was then made to let them mix. The youngsters, who are thought to be around 1 year old, are not yet fully integrated with Oleg, but seem to have taken to each other well.

It is hoped the three will eventually live as a Pride together in the expansive reserves at Lion Country.

Director of Animals at YWP, Dr Charlotte MacDonald, revealed “It has taken weeks and several stages, but we’re so happy to see the three getting along with each other.

“It’s going as well as we had hoped.

“Rafael and Shanti initially seemed apprehensive when they first came across Oleg’s new scent, and it’s taken time and patience, but they’re fine in close proximity and playing with one another.

“As Oleg was raised by humans, he has longed for this connection and seems so excited to play with the siblings. We’re so proud to have facilitated this.”

The WildLife Foundation, the charity based at the park, facilitated the 2000-mile journey to bring the youngsters to their new forever home in Doncaster.

It is the third rescue undertaken by Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which has seen 17 lions brought to Lion Country over the years, the seven-acre habitat comprised of three specially designed reserves.

Trustee of The WildLife Foundation, Cheryl Williams, said: “It’s so rewarding to see the rescue going as smoothly as planned and delightful seeing the lions socialising with each other and having fun.

“We hope to give them the quality of life they deserve.

“Donations made to The Foundation play a huge part in making this all possible and we want to thank everybody who donated to their cause.

The first lion rescue from Romania to Yorkshire Wildlife Park took place 15 years ago and saw 13 African Lions brought to the park.

Its success won international accolades for saving the lions from horrific conditions in Romania and giving them a new home.

It also encouraged the park and charity to take on a second mission last year.

In 2024, Aysa and her cubs, Emi, Santa and Teddi, now 3 years old, travelled over 2,000 miles across six countries from sanctuary in Poland after being abandoned in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. They are now thriving in Lion Country.

During the Russian invasion, many animals were left alone with no food, water, or shelter and were terrified by the bombing.

Dr Charlotte MacDonald added: “While they are still getting to know each other and settle in, the lions are still in quarantine.

“We’re excited for the day our guests are allowed to meet this playful trio in their Pride. But for now we are taking it slowly and working on fully integrating them in the house and back reserve – out of the sight of the public.”

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which puts conservation at the heart of all its activities, offers visitors a unique walkthrough experience coming almost face to face with some of the world’s most beautiful and rare species, including Amur Leopards and Tigers, Giraffes, Sea Lions and Black Rhinos.

Yorkshire Wildlife Resort boasts The Hex Wildlife Hotel and The Yorkshire Hive – the shopping, dining and entertainment village.