The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, near Ashford, to build new enclosure for lions rescued from Ukraine

A new big cat enclosure will be built at a Kent animal park for five lions rescued from war-torn Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, near Ashford, has raised £500,000 as part of its 'Big Cats in Crisis' campaign.

The initiative began in May with the aim of creating a brighter future for the lions which have endured unimaginable hardship due to the country's war with Russia.

Seven months on and the park - which is home to 40 cats including tigers, cheetahs and snow leopards - has confirmed it has now met the huge milestone.

The sum will allow it to cover transportation costs, veterinary care, and finish construction of the state-of-the-art enclosure called ‘Lion Rescue Centre'.

Project lead at the sanctuary, Cam Whitnall, said: "This achievement is truly special and we can’t thank everyone enough.

“This journey has been extraordinary and every single donation, share, and moment of belief in our mission has helped transform the lives of these lions.

"Thanks to your incredible support, the five lions - Yuna, Rori, Vanda, Amani, and Lira - will now have the forever home they deserve.”

Work on the new enclosure began in July and is now expected to be completed in January.

Yuna has already begun her recovery at The Big Cat Sanctuary having moved to Kent following a four-day journey across six countries in August.

Found in a cramped 3x4m concrete enclosure with an aggressive male, she suffered a severe concussion from heavy bombing and blasted debris.

Initially cared for at the Wild Animal Rescue Centre, her recovery was tragically interrupted by more shelling, leaving her unable to stand or walk.

Facing euthanasia, The Big Cat Sanctuary rescued Yuna - a move which has since transformed her life and personality.

Now three years old, it has led to her engaging in enrichment and experiencing grass for the first time.

She will soon be reunited with her pals Rori, Vanda, Amani and Lira who have also been evacuated from Ukraine due to the trauma.

All four are currently in temporary facilities across Belgium called Pairi Daiza, Planckendael Zoo and Natuur Hulp Centrum.

Rori, who is also three years old, lived in a private menagerie and is believed to have been used for illegal breeding.

When found, he could also not stand due to the likely shell shock, meaning it took him two weeks after being rescued to do so again as he continues to face coordination issues.

Vanda, a one-year-old female, was rescued from a flat in south east Ukraine having been kept as a family pet and surrendered when she became too hard to handle.

She was found with no access to sun, or a suitable enclosure, and was severely malnourished.

Meanwhile, two more females, Amani and Lira, are being temporarily housed at Pairi Daiza and are both believed to be aged one.

The sisters were rescued together and were assumed to be illegally bred for photo exploitation purposes.

Both cubs are said to be fit and healthy and have not required any veterinary treatment so far.

The announcement comes less than a week after the sanctuary revealed a separate pair of white lioness sisters are to arrive at the park.

Zuri, 11, and Izulu, 15, are to become its newest members when they arrive from Hertfordshire Zoo next month.