The Big Cat Sanctuary today announces an urgent new
mission to rescue Ursa, a young female Eurasian lynx, from war-torn Ukraine, following the
world-wide success of its Big Cats in Crisis campaign.
A global leader in wild cat care and conservation, The Big Cat Sanctuary is calling on the
public to help fund the rescue and lifelong care of Ursa, who was found living in appalling
conditions after being illegally kept as a private pet. Now housed at Wild Animal Rescue
Center on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ursa remains in danger as bombs continue to fall in the
surrounding area.
This mission follows the extraordinary rescue of five lions; Rori, Amani, Lira, Vanda and
Yuna, from Ukraine during a high-stakes ten-month operation. Led by wildlife expert and
Sanctuary Managing Director, Cam Whitnall, the Big Cats in Crisis campaign raised
£500,000 to build the Lion Rescue Centre, which opened in March 2025. Today, those lions
are thriving in Kent, many having felt grass beneath their paws for the first time since their
arrival. Now, Cam and his team have their sights set on helping a smaller, but equally
vulnerable, feline in desperate need.
Ursa’s Story
Born in 2023, Ursa’s early life was marked by neglect and illegality. Discovered as a kitten
by the organisation URSA, after whom she was later named, she was being kept by a
private individual in their home before the police intervened. Ursa was confiscated by court
order and transferred to Wild Animal Rescue Center on the outskirts of Kyiv, where she is
currently receiving the care and treatment she desperately needed to improve her health.
Initial veterinary examinations revealed the true extent of her suffering. Ursa was battling a
severe intestinal infection and heavy parasite burdens. Critically, due to poor nutrition and
incorrect feeding during her vital growth months, she remains significantly smaller than a
lynx of her age should be. Having been hand-raised by humans and lacking the physical size
and skills to defend herself, experts have confirmed that Ursa could never survive in the wild.
Ursa needs to be moved to safety as soon as possible and The Big Cat Sanctuary is going to
do everything in its power to make that happen.
The Mission Ahead
The Big Cat Sanctuary is now preparing a complex and high-risk rescue operation to bring Ursa safely to the UK. The mission includes:
• Rescue: Navigating an active war zone to evacuate Ursa from Ukraine.
• Border Crossing: Managing complex international logistics, veterinary
requirements and permits to transport a protected species safely to the UK.
• A Forever Home: Providing Ursa with a secure habitat within the Sanctuary’s Small
Cat Rescue Centre, alongside other rescued small cats, including Blob the bobcat.
Cam Whitnall, Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary, who is the driving force behind
the rescue, 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.”
How to Help
The Sanctuary needs to raise a minimum of £100,000 to ensure the safe rescue of Ursa,
which includes her transportation and emergency care. Any funds raised beyond this will
support Ursa’s long-term care and help rescue other animals still in danger.
The Big Cat Sanctuary is urging the public to join the mission and follow Ursa’s journey
from Kyiv to Kent. Donations will go directly towards the transport costs and the
redevelopment of her new habitat.
To donate to Ursa’s rescue mission, please visit thebigcatsanctuary.org.
ENDS
