Athree-year-old lioness named Yuna steps on grass “for the first time in her life” following her rescue from the war in Ukraine, in an emotional video that has touched the hearts of viewers worldwide.
A clip of the incredible moment was shared on TikTok by Cam Whitnall (@camwhitnall), 29, who lives in Kent, in the southeast of the U.K, where he works for his family’s wildlife charity, The Big Cat Sanctuary.
“Rescuing Yuna from the war in Ukraine, giving her a second chance at life, and now seeing her feel fresh air and grass for the first time—it’s incredibly special and beautiful,” Whitnall said.
The video, which has amassed 3.4 million views since it was posted on August 29, shows Yuna walking out of a cage and cautiously stepping onto a patch of grass. She appears curious but also disoriented and a bit wobbly on her feet as she navigates the unfamiliar terrain. A voice whispers: “This is all brand new to her… she’s never been on grass before, ever.”
Whitnall, who leads the lion rescue project, shared details with Newsweek about the rescue efforts, as well as Yuna’s harrowing past and her remarkable recovery, supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
The IFAW’s disaster response and wildlife rescue programs were mobilized from the very first day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Around 200 big cats, mostly lions, were kept in private homes there as exotic pets before the invasion, according to a report by the IFAW.
“As the war continued, several dozen owners of big cats had to flee their homes and/or lost their income. As a result, many exotic pets were abandoned and needed to be rescued. The war has also negatively affected local zoos, causing the animals living there to suffer,” said the report.
Yuna’s Rescue From Ukraine and Journey to Safety
Before the Russian invasion, Yuna was confined to a small 10×13 feet space in a private home, living on a concrete floor. Nearby missile explosions gave the lioness “shellshock, concussion, and loss of coordination,” the charity noted in August.
Yuna was initially rescued by Wild Animal Rescue, a facility in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, with support from the IFAW. The Big Cat Sanctuary, along with Cross Border Animal Services (CBAS), successfully evacuated Yuna and a male lion, Rori on August 16.
The journey to safety was challenging, taking five days and covering over 30 hours of driving through six countries, including France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine.
While Yuna went to The Big Cat Sanctuary, Rori was taken to Natuurhulpcentrum, a temporary holding facility in Belgium, awaiting the completion of his forever home at The Big Cat Sanctuary.
Upon arrival, Yuna spent a week in a private den, where the sanctuary’s dedicated team focused on building her trust and confidence. They ensured her transition was smooth and free from stress, speaking to her in comforting tones and gradually allowing her to adjust to their presence. This careful approach resulted in Yuna beginning to willingly approach her caretakers, marking a significant breakthrough in her emotional recovery.
Yuna’s first steps on grass symbolized the start of her new life. “All the hard work has paid off for this very moment,” Whitnall said. “It’s been an incredible team effort from everyone involved, and we’re so pleased that she’s settled in so well here.”
As Yuna continues to adapt to her new environment, she has begun to display her playful and curious side. She now explores her surroundings, scratches trees and logs, and exhibits natural behaviors previously impossible in her confined space. These activities are crucial in rebuilding her muscle strength and mobility.
The Big Cat Sanctuary’s mission continues as they plan to rescue three more lionesses—Amani, Lira, and Vanda—from the Wild Animal Rescue in Kyiv. These lionesses will be temporarily housed in Belgium while construction of its Lion Rescue Centre is completed, the charity said.
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