A shell-shocked lioness rescued from Ukraine has taken her first steps outside in her new home in a Kent sanctuary.

Yuna is said to have shellshock, psychological issues and coordination problems after missiles exploded near her enclosure in January, The Big Cat Sanctuary said.

The three-year-old arrived at the sanctuary in England on 17 August after a lengthy trip across Europe.

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But she spent the first week inside her enclosure before finally venturing out on Thursday.

The sanctuary said before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Yuna had been kept in a 3x4m concrete space in a private home.

Eventually, she was discovered and taken to Wild Animal Rescue.

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The Big Cat Sanctuary, along with partners, worked to evacuate Yuna and a male lion before taking her on a five-day journey to the UK, driving across Europe.

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“All the hard work has paid off for this very moment. Rescuing Yuna from the war in Ukraine, giving her a second chance at life, and now seeing her feel fresh air and grass for the first time – it’s incredibly special and beautiful,” Cam Whitnall, project lead at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said.

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“It’s been an incredible team effort from everyone involved, and we’re so pleased that she’s settled in so well here at The Big Cat Sanctuary.”

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