A Eurasian lynx rescued from misery in Ukraine took her first steps on grass —and soon rolled over onto her back—after being rescued by a UK animal sanctuary.
The big cat named Ursa was found seriously ill in January after being illegally kept as a private pet in Kyiv.
She was moved to a wild animal rescue centre in the Ukrainian capital while the war raged and bombs continued to fall in the surrounding area.
The effort was supported in England by the Big Cat Sanctuary near Ashford, Kent, which raised the required $180,000 (£134,000) needed to evacuate Ursa to a new home in Britain.
Staff called it a “high risk” mission that included navigating complex border crossings, and an active war zone.
After flying her back to safety in February she was then moved into a temporary enclosure while a specially-built new one could be constructed.
This week she got to go outdoors and feel the grass under her paws for the first time as the nature-filled enclosure was finally completed.
“To see Ursa take her first steps here in Kent was an incredibly emotional moment for the whole team,” said Cam Whitnall, wildlife expert and managing director of The Big Cat Sanctuary.
“This mission was fraught with unpredictability, navigating a war zone with a vulnerable apex predator, but seeing her safe makes every risk worthwhile.
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Ursa was 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.
“Today represents a huge milestone not only for our sanctuary, but for the future conservation of smaller wild cat species globally.
“By combining world-class welfare with cutting-edge technology, we are securing a sustainable future population (for them).”
“Ursa has spent her life under the shadow of conflict and neglect; now, that story has changed… She is finally in her forever home.”
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