Battle-worn Ukraine is in the midst of a freezing winter, with temperatures dropping as low as 4°F (-20°C).
For countless lions and tigers, many brought into the country illegally, these sub-zero temperatures are deadly.
Abandoned lion cubs rescued from the cold need access to warmth to survive the Ukrainian winter. Credit: WARC
Lions and tigers native to warm climates are battling to survive Ukraine’s freezing winter.
These animals, native to the warm climates of Africa, India and Asia, are ill-equipped for Ukrainian weather, but at least when they were in zoos or private hands, they did not have to brave the winter months without warm shelter.
Rescued by our partner, Tigrulya has kidney failure and severe hind leg injuries. Without a warm indoor enclosure, he will not survive. Credit: WARC
But now, even that small mercy has disappeared. When war broke out, many of these big cats were abandoned as their owners fled – some left in their cages to starve to death, while others were tragically killed by their owners who saw no other option.
These big cats cannot survive in freezing war-torn Ukraine without your help.
Many of our partner’s rescues are struggling with illness and injuries. For these animals, exposure to the cold could be deadly. Credit: WARC
Our partner has rescued lions and tigers with severe injuries and health complications – now they need warm shelter if they are to make it through the winter.
Our partner, Wild Animal Rescue Center (WARC), has rescued dozens of these unfortunate animals abandoned during the war.
Many of the big cats in WARC’s care are battling the foreign climate, as well as injuries, illness and disability.
Abandoned in a zoo as bombs exploded around him, Simba the lion broke his nose on the bars of his cage. He is one of many big cats that need your help. Credit: WARC
With below-freezing temperatures expected to last at least another month, and food and veterinary costs soaring, WARC fears they won’t be able to provide warmth for much longer. If they cannot pay their heating bills, their electricity will be cut off – a devastating tragedy for the lions, tigers and other animals who depend on them for survival.
Credit: WARC
We need to raise $10,000 (approximately £8,000) to cover critical heating expenses, before a brutal winter claims the lives of even more majestic big cats.
A heated enclosure at our partner’s facility. Credit: WARC
