Luna and Plusza Find Refuge at Five Sisters Zoo After Being Rescued from Conflict Zones in Ukraine
For nearly a decade, Five Sisters Zoo has been at the forefront of lion rescue in Scotland, providing sanctuary and care for lions who have faced immense hardship.
This journey began in October 2015, when Five Sisters Zoo welcomed four lions—Boss, Skinny, Twin 1, and Twin 2—from Belgium, where they had been rescued from a life of suffering in a traveling circus. These resilient animals found peace in a purpose-built habitat, free from their traumatic pasts.
As Five Sisters Zoo marks nine years since the rescue, only Skinny remains of the original pride, following the passing of Boss and the two brothers, Twin 1 and Twin 2. Their rescue stands as a proud milestone for the zoo, which has continued to dedicate resources to the welfare and rehabilitation of animals in need.
In a significant next chapter, Five Sisters Zoo is pleased to announce the upcoming arrival of two four-year-old lionesses, Luna and Plusza, who were rescued from Ukraine. After enduring the distress of conflict and displacement, these lionesses are being given a new home at Five Sisters Zoo.
Luna and Plusza were initially evacuated from an area affected by heavy shelling in Eastern Ukraine in 2022. They were first sheltered in Kyiv before moving to Poland and later to Natuurhulpcentrum in Belgium, where Five Sisters Zoo has partnered once again to offer the lionesses a permanent sanctuary in Scotland.
“The arrival of Luna and Plusza is a continuation of our long-standing commitment to giving lions a second chance at life,” said Gary Curran, Head of Carnivores at Five Sisters Zoo.
“Our team is prepared to provide these lionesses with the best care possible, ensuring that they are able to live out their lives in peace, just as we did for Boss, Skinny, and the others.”
The lionesses’ new home at Five Sisters Zoo will feature a specially designed habitat, providing ample space and comfort after their challenging journey across multiple countries.
Five Sisters Zoo remains dedicated to animal welfare and looks forward to giving the public the opportunity to learn about the importance of its rescue and conservation efforts.
Luna and Plusza’s arrival continues Five Sisters Zoo’s proud tradition of collaborating with international rescue organisations to ensure animals in need are given a safe and nurturing home.
For updates on Luna and Plusza’s journey, and for more information on how to support Five Sisters Zoo’s animal welfare initiatives please visit www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk.