Lionesses arrive at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian from war-torn Ukraine

Two lionesses have arrived at their new home in Scotland after being rescued from Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian announced the arrival of the two four-year-old lionesses named Luna and Plusza on Thursday.

They were initially evacuated from an area affected by heavy shelling in eastern Ukraine in 2022.

The pair were first sheltered in Kyiv then moved to Poland and later to Natuurhulpcentrum in Belgium before Five Sisters Zoo offered a permanent sanctuary in Scotland.

Gary Curran, head of carnivores at Five Sisters Zoo, said: “The safe arrival of Luna and Plusza underscores our commitment to giving lions a second chance at life.

“Our team is ready to provide the care and support they need to live out their lives in peace, just as we have done for others before them.”

The lionesses’ new home at Five Sisters Zoo will feature a specially designed habitat that will “provide ample space and comfort after their challenging journey across multiple countries”.

The zoo added that Luna and Plusza’s arrival continues a “proud tradition” of collaborating with international rescue organisations to ensure animals in need are given a safe home.

The new additions come as the zoo celebrates nine years since rescuing its first pride of lions in 2015.

Five Sisters Zoo previously welcomed four lions – Boss, Skinny, Twin 1, and Twin 2 – from Belgium, where they had been rescued “from a life of suffering” in a travelling circus.

Of the original pride, only Skinny remains today, as the zoo honours the memory of other lions, while forging ahead with new rescue efforts.