Lionesses arrive at Scottish zoo from Ukraine conflict zone

Two lionesses, Luna and Plusza, have arrived at Five Sisters Zoo in West Calder, Scotland, after being rescued from a conflict zone in Ukraine in 2022. The four-year-old lionesses were saved from an area heavily affected by shelling and were initially kept by a private owner before being moved through Kyiv to a zoo in Poland for medical care. They were then transported via Belgium to finally reach the safety of Scotland.

The purpose-built habitat at Five Sisters Zoo will provide optimal conditions for Luna and Plusza to recover after their distressing journey. This marked an important milestone in the zoo’s history of animal welfare and rehabilitation. Head of carnivores at the zoo, Gary Curran, expressed the team’s commitment to giving the lionesses a second chance at life and providing the care and support they need to live out their lives peacefully.

This rescue is part of Five Sisters Zoo’s ongoing efforts to save animals in need, following a similar initiative in 2015 when the zoo received four lions that had been suffering in a travelling circus. Visitors interested in helping with the lionesses’ recovery can make one-off donations to fund their initial husbandry and veterinary care. More information can be found on the Five Sisters Zoo website.

In a separate development, Edinburgh Zoo recently welcomed a pygmy hippo calf named Haggis earlier this month, born to parents Otto and Gloria. The arrival of Luna and Plusza and Haggis at the respective zoos highlights the continued commitment to wildlife conservation and welfare in Scotland.

My insights and summary:
The story of Luna and Plusza’s journey from a conflict zone in Ukraine to the safety of a zoo in Scotland is heartwarming and highlights the importance of international collaboration in animal rescue efforts. The dedication of the team at Five Sisters Zoo to providing a safe and caring environment for these lionesses is commendable and serves as a reminder of the crucial role that zoos play in wildlife preservation and rehabilitation. Initiatives like these not only help individual animals but also contribute to raising awareness about the impact of conflicts on wildlife and the ongoing need for conservation efforts globally.