Race is on to save young lynx from war-torn Ukraine

A wild cat rescue group wants to save a young Eurasian lynx from war-torn Ukraine by caring for it in the UK.

The Big Cat Sanctuary (BCS) is already caring for five lions it rescued from Ukraine at its new half-a-million-pound facility in Smarden, Kent, and is now trying to help Ursa the lynx.

Ursa was kept in "appalling conditions" as a private pet, the sanctuary said, and despite now being held at a rescue centre on the outskirts of Kyiv, is still in danger due to the war.

The BCS said it was determined to bring Ursa to Kent so she could enjoy the "peaceful forever home she deserves", and was trying to raise a minimum of £100,000 to fund it.

Ursa was born in 2023 and her life has been marked by neglect and illegality, the sanctuary said.

She was handed over to the Wild Animal Rescue Centre in Kyiv after being discovered at a private home by police.

Vets found she had a severe intestinal infection, parasites and was significantly smaller than other lynx of her age due to poor nutrition and incorrect feeding.

This means she would never survive in the wild, the sanctuary said.

Cam Whitnall, managing director of the Big Cat Sanctuary, said: "Our mission to rescue the five lions from Ukraine showed the world what is possible when people come together.

"Now, we are asking for that same incredible support for Ursa. She has had a difficult start to life, stunted by poor care and living under the constant shadow of war.

"Ursa deserves a future where she is safe, and we are determined to bring her to the sanctuary, giving her the peaceful, forever home she deserves."

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