Historic Lion Rescue: British Army Veterans Brave Ukrainian Conflict to Save Big Cats

British Army veterans have rescued nine lions from a Ukrainian zoo in a daring warzone mission

In a remarkable display of compassion and bravery, a group of British Army veterans has ventured into the heart of the Ukrainian conflict zone to rescue majestic lions trapped in the midst of war. This unprecedented mission, dubbed the “Historic Lion Rescue,” highlights the extraordinary lengths some are willing to go to protect innocent lives, even amidst the chaos of war.

Animal rescue groups Breaking the Chains and Warriors of Wildlife travelled to the war-torn Black Sea port of Odesa on Monday

The situation unfolded against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where civilians and wildlife alike have found themselves caught in the crossfire. Amidst the turmoil, reports emerged of lions stranded in a zoo near the frontlines, facing imminent danger due to the escalating violence.

The nine lions were facing starvation at their home in the Biopark, Odesa, where supplies of meat were running dangerously low because of the war

Fueled by a sense of duty and compassion, a team of British Army veterans, renowned for their courage and expertise, decided to take action. Risking their own safety, they embarked on a perilous journey into the heart of the conflict zone, determined to rescue the trapped lions and provide them with a chance at a better life.

If Russian missiles damaged the animal enclosures, civilians would be in serious danger from the loose predators

The operation was fraught with challenges, navigating through war-torn landscapes and navigating logistical hurdles posed by the ongoing conflict. Yet, undeterred by the dangers that surrounded them, the team pressed forward with unwavering determination, driven by their commitment to saving these magnificent creatures.

The group travelled thousands of miles across three borders over 72 hours to carry out the rescue

After days of meticulous planning and coordination, the team finally reached the besieged zoo, where they were met with a scene of devastation. Despite the chaos and destruction that surrounded them, their focus remained steadfast on the mission at hand – to rescue the lions and offer them a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of war.

The two adult male lions, five females and a male and female cub were all safely taken to their temporary new home in Targu Mures, Romania, on Wednesday

With remarkable precision and efficiency, the veterans swiftly evacuated the lions from the zoo, carefully transporting them to safety away from the conflict zone. The sight of these majestic creatures being whisked away from danger served as a beacon of hope amid the turmoil, reminding the world of the power of compassion and solidarity in the face of adversity.

The mission was the brainchild of South African animal advocate Lionel de Lange, founder of Warriors of Wildlife

The Historic Lion Rescue stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring bond between man and nature. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, acts of courage and compassion have the power to transcend borders and unite us in our shared humanity.

Tom, whose surname is not used for security reasons, led a team of former British Army soldiers as well as members from the USA and Canada
Warriors of Wildlife founder and South African Army veteran Lionel de Lange said the eventual aim was to fly all the lions to a new life in South Africa or the US
Breaking the Chains founder Tom, 34, from Yorkshire, served 18 years in the British Army and members of his team included other veterans
The convoy included a huge military wagon driven over from the UK by Tom's team as well as 4X4 support vehicles
Each lion required expert veterinary care from the moment they were sedated to monitoring them throughout the trip over hundreds of miles
Gemma said rescuing animals from a warzone was vital in many ways especially with large dangerous carnivores
Tom said as soon Lionel let him know about the plight of the lions in Odesa he knew it was something his unit could help with
Tom said donations fund their entire operation and there was more planned for the future
Extra-strong cages, makeshift stretchers and climbing equipment was also needed to secure their precious cargo
As the rescued lions find sanctuary in their new home, their story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration to people around the world. It is a reminder that amidst the chaos of war, there are still those willing to risk everything to protect the most vulnerable among us – a legacy that will echo for generations to come.