From war-torn Ukraine to sunny South Africa, Cleopatra, Zorya and Mira are home at last, thanks to you!

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Dear friends,

Today, we’re writing with joy in our hearts and with immense gratitude to you, our dedicated supporters.

Thanks to the compassion and support of ASI donors like you, three lions – Cleopatra, Zorya and Mira – have finally made it to Africa from the Ukraine war zone.

Cleopatra, who lived first in a Ukrainian zoo, then survived the terror of war, takes her first steps onto African soil. Credit: ASI/Taryn Slabbert

After surviving the horrors of war, they have arrived safely at their forever home: a blissful sanctuary in South Africa, where they will roam free under the African skies.

Cleopatra, a lioness rescued from an abandoned zoo, and Zorya and Mira, two tiny cubs found injured and starving on the frontlines, are now safe. Their journey to freedom was long and filled with challenges, but your kindness made it possible.

Zorya and Mira were rescued in Ukraine at just a few months old, both severely injured and traumatized. Now at last, they have their freedom. Credit: WARC

This monumental cross-border relocation was possible because of the dedication of our partners, Wild Animal Rescue Center (WARC) in Ukraine, and the LionWatch Project in South Africa. With support from ASI and our generous donors, WARC risked life and limb to rescue these animals. They never give up on the animals – and neither do we.

The LionWatch Project not only coordinated and conducted the daring international relocation, but will give the lions lifelong care and freedom at its spacious, species-appropriate sanctuary.

(Left) Our partners from Wild Animal Rescue Center (WARC) in Ukraine, and the LionWatch Project in South Africa. (Right) Natalia Popova of WARC bids an emotional farewell to the cub (sedated) she rescued and cared for for nearly two years. Credit: WARC and LionWatch

Because of people like the lions will never hear the sound of bombs again. Instead, they’ll grow strong, the African sun on their backs, and the earth of their ancestral homeland beneath their paws.

After enduring the horrors of war and a challenging relocation, Cleopatra relaxes at last in her new permanent sanctuary in South Africa. Credits: ASI/Taryn Slabbert

This wasn’t just a relocation. It was a rescue mission of love, courage, and hope. And it could not have happened without you.

Rescued as tiny cubs with broken back legs, Mira and Zorya are now healthy young lions. They will spend the rest of their lives in peace, enjoying the African sun. Click here to see the lions take their first steps on African soil. Credit: ASI/Taryn Slabbert.

You can read the full relocation story here.

From the depths of our hearts, and on behalf of Cleopatra, Zorya, and Mira – thank you. After the horrors they endured, you gave them the second chance they so desperately deserved.

Saving animals and the planet

General Manager
Animal Survival International

P.S. Want to see their first moments of freedom? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X for these updates and other heartwarming stories.