(The Big Cat Sanctuary via SWNS)
By Ed Chatterton
A UK animal sanctuary has launched a "high-risk" rescue operation to save a seriously ill Eurasian lynx from war-torn Ukraine.
The traumatized big cat named Ursa was found living in appalling conditions after being illegally kept as a private pet.
After war raged across Kyiv, she was moved to the city's Wild Animal Rescue Center where she remains in danger as bombs continue to fall in the surrounding area.
The Big Cat Sanctuary near Ashford, Kent, is now on a mission to evacuate Ursa and bring her to a new home in Britain.
Staff are trying to raise $100,000 in order to move the young female lynx to safety as soon as possible.
(The Big Cat Sanctuary via SWNS)
Their latest campaign comes after well-wishers clubbed together £500,000 to rescue five lions; Rori, Amani, Lira, Vanda and Yuna, from Ukraine, in 2024.
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.
"Every donation helps us complete this dangerous but very necessary journey. We cannot, and will not, leave her behind.”
(The Big Cat Sanctuary via SWNS)
Ursa was born in 2023 and was found neglected as a kitten by the organization URSA, after whom she was later named.
She was being kept as a pet at a private home before police intervened and she was confiscated by a court order.
Ursa is currently receiving vital care and treatment to improve her health at The Wild Animal Rescue Center.
Initial veterinary examinations found she was battling a severe intestinal infection and heavy parasite burdens.
Experts have confirmed that Ursa could never survive in the wild having been hand-raised by humans and lacking the physical size and skills to defend herself.
They say that due to poor nutrition and incorrect feeding during her vital growth months, she remains significantly smaller than a lynx of her age should be.
The Big Cat Sanctuary is now trying to raise funds to launch the operation, which will mean navigating an active war zone and complex border crossings.