The Big Cat Sanctuary is thrilled to announce that the
fundraising target to rescue Ursa, a young female Eurasian lynx from war-torn Ukraine, has not
only been met but significantly exceeded. Thanks to an extraordinary £50,000 donation from
local business Premier Coatings, the total raised has reached a staggering £134,152.80.
In recognition of this transformative support, Ursa’s redeveloped habitat, will be officially named
the Premier Coatings Small Cat Rescue Centre. While Ursa will be the centre’s first resident, the
facility has been designed to provide a lifeline for other rescued felines including Blob the
Bobcat and Rhys the Eurasian lynx, who both arrived at The Sanctuary in 2025.
With the mission now fully funded, the high-stakes operation to bring Ursa safely to Kent is set
to commence this March.
The additional money raised beyond the original £100,000 target will be immediately reinvested
into the project to further enhance the habitat, including:
● Improved pathways for specialised keeper care and visitor viewing.
● An innovative new walkway system designed specifically to encourage natural climbing
behaviours and arboreal activity for the cats.
● New plants surrounding the redeveloped area
Ursa’s Journey to Safety
A global leader in wild cat care and rescue, The Big Cat Sanctuary is preparing for the lifelong
care of Ursa, who was found living in appalling conditions after being illegally kept as a private
pet in the Ukrainian war zone. Currently housed at the Wild Animal Rescue Center near Kyiv,
Ursa remains in significant danger due to the ongoing conflict.
This mission follows the extraordinary rescue of five lions, Rori, Amani, Lira, Vanda, and Yuna,
from Ukraine last year. Led by Sanctuary Managing Director Cam Whitnall, the Big Cats in Crisis
campaign originally raised £500,000 to build the Lion Rescue Centre. Now, the team is turning
its expertise toward helping this smaller, yet equally vulnerable, feline.
Cam Whitnall, Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary, said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed
with the support the campaign has received. Not only have we hit our initial target quickly, but
this incredible sponsorship from Premier Coatings means we can take the project to a whole
new level.
He continued, “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. Thank you for your support.”
Steve Crawley, Managing Director of Premier Coatings said, “The Big Cat Sanctuary’s mission,
spanning welfare, rescue, conservation, breeding, and education, is both unique and inspiring.
We wholeheartedly support these aims and recognise the vital role education plays in shaping
how we understand and value the world around us. The new Small Cats Rescue Centre
represents an exciting opportunity to help the next generation connect with the natural world
and learn what truly deserves our care and protection. Premier Coatings Ltd is proud to support
our neighbours in bringing this vision to life and honoured to play a part in their continued
success”.
Ursa’s Story
Born in 2023, Ursa was discovered as a kitten by the organisation URSA, being kept illegally in
a private home. After being confiscated by police, she was moved to the Wild Animal Rescue
Center. Initial veterinary exams revealed severe intestinal infections and stunted growth due to
malnutrition. Having been hand-raised and lacking the skills to survive alone, experts confirm
Ursa can never return to the wild.
The Mission The Mission Ahead
The Big Cat Sanctuary is now coordinating international logistics and veterinary support for the
March rescue. Once she arrives in Kent, Ursa will receive world-class care in her bespoke new
home, designed to provide the peace and stimulation she has been denied since birth.
ENDS
