By Ed Chatterton
An animal sanctuary fighting to rescue a young lynx from war-torn Ukraine has raised $183,000 needed to bring her to safety in the UK.
The traumatized big cat named Ursa was found living in appalling conditions after being illegally kept as a private pet in Kyiv.
After war raged across the city she was moved to the 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, launched a “high risk” mission to evacuate seriously ill Ursa last month and bring her to a new home in Britain.
Staff had been trying to raise $183,000 in order to move her to safety and have now smashed their target after being inundated with donations from animal -lovers.
Cam Whitnall, managing director of The Big Cat Sanctuary, said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed with the support the campaign has received.
“Ursa has had a heart-breaking start to life, stunted by poor care and living under the shadow of war.
“This extra funding means we can build her, and future rescues, an even more enriching environment.
“We are now in the final countdown for what will be a dangerous but vital journey to bring her home and my heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has donated, followed or shared Ursa’s story.
“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.
“Thank you for your support.”
Ursa was born in 2023 and was found neglected as a kitten by the organisation 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 due to poor nutrition and incorrect feeding during her vital growth months, she remains significantly smaller than a lynx of her age should be.
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 said previously: “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. We cannot, and will not, leave her behind.”
The donations will go towards the team having to navigate an active war zone, complex border crossings as well as bringing Ursa safely back to the UK. Money will also be used on building her a habitat at the sanctuary.
They will begin the rescue mission in March. To donate to Ursa’s rescue mission visit: thebigcatsanctuary.org.
