Lion rescued from Ukraine spends her first Christmas at sanctuary in Kent
ITV Meridian's Sarah Saunders went to see how Yuna is settling into her new home in Kent
A lion rescued from Ukraine has spent her first Christmas at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent.
African lioness, Yuna, was taken to the Lion Rescue Centre in August. She had been captive in a small room with a concrete floor and was left with shell shock and psychological issues after her owner abandoned her when the war broke out.
The Big Cat Sanctuary is a charity behind the Big Cats in Crisis campaign, which reached its target earlier this month to raise £500,000 to help rescue five lions from Ukraine.
The money will help towards transportation costs, veterinary treatment and a new habitat, which the sanctuary started creating in July.
Recent poor weather has slowed down the progress of the build, but it's hoped the site will be ready within a few months.
Yuna is now settling into her new home, where keepers gave her a Christmas meal complete with a tree and presents.
Keeper, Ricky Reino, said Yuna was cautious at first as she adapted to her new environment, but said she is starting to become more playful.
The other four lions are being kept in facilities across Belgium, before they are reunited with Yuna in early 2025.
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