Wildlife Heritage Foundation Big Cat Sanctuary - Smarden

They've done it!!

WE DID IT!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve successfully reached our £500,000 fundraising target for the Big Cats in Crisis campaign!

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our supporters worldwide, this milestone ensures a brighter future for five rescued lions who have endured unimaginable hardship in war-torn Ukraine.

With these funds, we’ve not only rescued Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira but are also building their forever home at The Lion Rescue Centre within The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, UK. Once completed, the centre will provide a peaceful and enriching environment where these brave lions can live out their days in comfort and tranquillity.

This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Every single donation, share, and moment of belief in our mission has helped change the lives of these magnificent lions. Because of your support, Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira will now have the safe haven they deserve.

Thank you for believing in our cause and for being part of The Big Cat Sanctuary family. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.

#bigcatsincrisis #lions #thebigcatsanctuary #animalrescue #ifaw
 
They've done it!!

WE DID IT!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve successfully reached our £500,000 fundraising target for the Big Cats in Crisis campaign!

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our supporters worldwide, this milestone ensures a brighter future for five rescued lions who have endured unimaginable hardship in war-torn Ukraine.

With these funds, we’ve not only rescued Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira but are also building their forever home at The Lion Rescue Centre within The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, UK. Once completed, the centre will provide a peaceful and enriching environment where these brave lions can live out their days in comfort and tranquillity.

This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Every single donation, share, and moment of belief in our mission has helped change the lives of these magnificent lions. Because of your support, Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira will now have the safe haven they deserve.

Thank you for believing in our cause and for being part of The Big Cat Sanctuary family. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.

#bigcatsincrisis #lions #thebigcatsanctuary #animalrescue #ifaw
Any idea when the remaining lions will arrive ?
 
Obviously this is based on individual circumstances, but is the plan to create a pride with the rescue lions? Does anyone know their respective ages?
 
Obviously this is based on individual circumstances, but is the plan to create a pride with the rescue lions? Does anyone know their respective ages?
The male Rory is 3 years old
Female Yuna(who is the only rescued lion currently at the park) is also 3 years old
The 2 sisters Amani and Lira and the other female Vanda, are believed to be 1 year old
 
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With great sadness, we share the passing of Ta’iri, our beloved male North Chinese leopard.

Ta’iri came to The Big Cat Sanctuary in March 2008. Over the years, he became a striking presence at the Sanctuary, embodying the elusive and mysterious nature.

Ta’iri was a magnificent leopard whose beauty, strength, and unique personality touched everyone who encountered him. He will be deeply missed at the Sanctuary.
 
Posted on socials this morning

Exciting update on The Lion Rescue Centre!

We’re thrilled to announce that The Lion Rescue Centre is set to open this March, welcoming the five rescued lions from war-torn Ukraine.

This is the day we have been waiting for, and next month we will finally welcome Rori, Vanda, Amani and Lira to join Yuna in their new forever home here at The Big Cat Sanctuary. We cannot wait to greet visitors to The Lion Rescue Centre, where they will have the opportunity to meet these five incredible Lions.
 
News from a Big Cat Sanctuary email just received:

Zaya’s New Adventure
On February 27th, the team at the Sanctuary will be bidding a fond farewell to our beautiful Snow Leopard, Zaya. Zaya is embarking on a new adventure to Marwell Wildlife joining their male, Warjun as part of the Endangered Species Breeding Programme; which plays a vital role in the conservation of these big cats.
 
Great news for both collections.

Be great to see new liter of cubs in the future at Marwell
 
2 Pieces of 2024 News & Early 2025 News Not Mentioned:
On April 11th, the sanctuary announced that a (0.1) African (white) lion named Imara passed away on April 8th due to failing kidneys.

68K views · 4.4K reactions | We're deeply saddened to announce the passing of our white lioness, Imara. After a visit from our vet, we found that her kidneys were failing, and it was decided that it was the right time to say goodbye. Imara, born at The Big Cat Sanctuary in 2013 with her siblings Ngozi, Jasiri, & Nuru, held a special place in our hearts. At about 18 months old, she and her brother moved into a separate unit, where they could often be seen basking in the sun on their high-up platforms. After Ngozi’s passing, Imara was introduced to Kasanga whom she has lived alongside for nearly a year. Visitors to the Sanctuary wouldn’t be surprised to see them either chasing each other around or cuddled up in a big straw bed. Imara will be remembered as a beautiful, loving cat whose roar will be missed across the Sanctuary. You can read more about Imara on our website. We welcome your memories in the comments section. | The Big Cat Sanctuary
Sad news about Imara, our white lioness - The Big Cat Sanctuary

On July 15th, the sanctuary announced they completed the new Project Lion exhibit which is open to the public.

47K views · 1.7K reactions | Project Lion is now complete! Exciting news as our lionesses have moved over to their brand-new home, join Aaron as he helps the team move them across! | The Big Cat Sanctuary

On January 9th, the sanctuary announced they moved (1.0) snow leopard Attan (as well as (0.1) Zaya which has since left the facility) to the exhibit next to the Amur leopards.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

On January 17th, the sanctuary announced they acquired a (1.0) fishing cat named Boson from the now-closed Cat Survival Trust in Hertfordshire which is now on exhibit.

67K views · 5K reactions | Boson, our incredible fishing cat, is already settling in beautifully here at the sanctuary after being rescued and rehomed from Cat Survival Trust. Without the tireless efforts of the rescue team, Boson faced the heartbreaking prospect of euthanasia. But now, we’re thrilled to provide him with a safe and loving home here at The Big Cat Sanctuary. Stay tuned to watch Boson’s journey as he explores his new home and takes his first steps into this exciting new chapter! #newbeginnings #fishingcat #welcomehome #rescue | The Big Cat Sanctuary

On January 31st, the sanctuary announced they acquired a (1.0) Eurasian lynx named Rhys from the now-closed Cat Survival Trust in Hertfordshire on January 23rd which is now on exhibit.

71K views · 3.7K reactions | Meet Rhys, the rescued Eurasian Lynx! �� Rhys is the final cat we’ve rescued from The Cat Survival Trust, saved from the heartbreaking risk of euthanasia. Now, he has a second chance at life! We’re so happy to share that The Big Cat Sanctuary is his forever home! Rhys is settling in beautifully! He has a lovely thick, fluffy coat, and he’s already claimed a favourite spot on his platform at the heart of his new habitat. Keep an eye out for his signature tail wag, a sign of his playful and excited nature! ✨ Welcome to your new home, Rhys! ✨ Watch his full journey on our YouTube channel. Click the link in our bio! #CatSurvivalTrust #Rescue #Lynx #BigCatSanctuary #ForeverHome | The Big Cat Sanctuary
Rhys - The Big Cat Sanctuary

On March 1st, the sanctuary announced they switched (1.1) Amur leopards Luka and Leia and (0.3) cougars Valentina, Viktoria, and Yahzi's exhibits.

The Big Cat Sanctuary
 
They're on their way!!

One down, three to go… Rori the lion is on his way home!

We have successfully collected Rori from Natuurhulpcentrum Opglabbeek! After a smooth health check, he was safely crated and loaded onto the Crossborder Animal Services transport truck. With everything going to plan, the team is now en route to collect Vanda, followed by sisters Amani and Lira at Pairi Daiza.

Stay tuned for live updates as these incredible rescued lions make their way to their forever home at The Big Cat Sanctuary! ❤️

#TheBigCatSanctuary #Rescue #LionRescue #BigCats
 
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