Rescued lionesses from Ukraine have left Pairi Daiza this Thursday March 13 to join The Big Cat Sanctuary.
Pairi Daiza's contribution to the rescue of Lira and Amani, was a wonderful way to make our commitment to the protection of animals concrete.
A highly emotional afternoon this Thursday at Pairi Daiza. After six months of successful adaptation and life in the Kingdom of Ganesha, Lira and Amani, the lionesses rescued from war, left the Park around 5:45 PM to join their final home: the English sanctuary, The Big Cat Sanctuary.
The rescue team, accompanied by Cross Border Animal Services (CBAS), first retrieved Rori and Vanda, the lions in transition temporarily housed at the Natuurhulpcentrum and Planckendael, before arriving at Pairi Daiza to pick up of the two lion sisters.
Together, they then set off on their journey through Belgium and France, where they would board a ferry to the United Kingdom. After a 12-hour journey, the lions are expected to arrive at The Big Cat Sanctuary on Friday, March 14.
“The moment we have been waiting and dreaming for is finally happening,” says Cam Whitnall, Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary. “We will soon be en route to bringing these lions home. It has been an incredibly challenging journey, but we never lost sight of our mission; to give these magnificent lions the safe and secure future they deserve. Seeing Yuna reunited with Rori, Amani, Lira, and Vanda will be an emotional and rewarding milestone for the team and our supporters.”
This rescue aligns perfectly with the mission that Pairi Daiza and its Foundation have been carrying out for 30 years. Through its many initiatives, the Park has always worked to provide a safe haven for animals in distress and to raise public awareness about the conservation of endangered species.
The story of Lira and Amani is a victory of international cooperation and the dedication of multiple animal protection teams. Pairi Daiza, which extends its gratitude to The Big Cat Sanctuary for its trust, is proud to have contributed to this mission by offering these lionesses a peaceful refuge before their journey to their final sanctuary.
A victory of international cooperation between animal protection teams
On Friday, September 20, 2024, Lira and Amani, two young lionesses born in Ukraine in 2023, found refuge at Pairi Daiza. Their arrival marked the end of a challenging journey, which began at the Wild Animal Rescue Center in Kyiv (Ukraine). The sisters’ past remains shrouded in mystery, but they were likely born under illegal conditions, intended for exploitation in tourist photography operations.
Their journey to safety started on September 18, orchestrated by The Big Cat Sanctuary (UK), a charity founded in 2000 to protect wild cats worldwide, in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Cross-Border Animal Services (CBAS). Traveling through Poland and Germany, the team covered more than 1,300 km to bring them safely to Belgium.
Upon their arrival at Pairi Daiza, multiple times bestowed with the titel of "Best Zoo in Europe", a strict quarantine protocol was implemented to ensure both their health and that of all other park residents. Amani and Lira were then given a specially designed space within the White Tiger territory, alongside Mumbai and Sanka. Separated by a large glass wall, they could gradually adjust to their new environment while remaining in close proximity to the tigers.
"In six months, the lionesses have adapted well, and their behavior has significantly calmed. They have left their past traumas behind. Initially very sensitive to unusual or loud noises, they are now more confident and even playful. The presence of their neighbors, Mumbai and Sanka—both calm and composed felines—helped reassure Amani and Lira. Animals observe and learn from one another," says Puria Mahlouji, Zoological Director at Pairi Daiza.
Pairi Daiza is proud to take part in this operation, which has given these two felines, rescued from the horrors of war, a chance to live in peace.
🎥 Video of Lira and Amani before their journey, Pairi Daiza, March 7, 2025
Johan Vreys