A Eurasian lynx named Ursa, rescued from war-torn Ukraine, has taken her first steps on grass in her new home at a UK animal sanctuary. Ursa was found living in appalling conditions in Kyiv, seriously ill and traumatized, after being illegally kept as a private pet.

Rescue Efforts

The Big Cat Sanctuary near Ashford, Kent, raised over £134,000 to evacuate Ursa and bring her to a new home in Britain. Staff embarked on a high-risk mission to rescue the big cat, navigating an active war zone and complex border crossings.

After flying her back to safety in February, Ursa was moved into a temporary enclosure while a specially built new one could be constructed. This week, she took her first steps on grass outdoors for the first time after the purpose-built enclosure was finally opened.

Cam Whitnall, wildlife expert and managing director of The Big Cat Sanctuary, said, ‘To see Ursa take her first steps here in Kent was an incredibly emotional moment for the whole team. This mission was fraught with unpredictability, navigating a war zone with a vulnerable apex predator, but seeing her safe makes every risk worthwhile.’

Ursa has been moved into the new home alongside other wild cats previously rescued in the UK, including another Eurasian lynx called Rhys, a bobcat called Blob, and a fishing cat named Boson.

According to Cam, ‘Today represents a huge milestone not only for our sanctuary but for the future conservation of smaller wild cat species globally. While the larger apex predators often dominate the headlines, these smaller cats face severe threats in the wild from habitat loss and human encroachment.’

By combining world-class welfare with cutting-edge technology, the sanctuary is securing a sustainable future population and ensuring these remarkable animals are no longer overlooked.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.