Home / Environment / War-Torn Lynx 'Ursa' Steps Onto Grass in UK Sanctuary
War-Torn Lynx 'Ursa' Steps Onto Grass in UK Sanctuary
27 Jul
Summary
- Eurasian lynx Ursa rescued from Ukraine war zone now in Kent.
- New sanctuary opens for rescued wild cats, including Ursa.
- Conservation efforts focus on smaller wild cat species.
A Eurasian lynx named Ursa, rescued from the conflict in Ukraine, has been released into her new purpose-built sanctuary in Kent. This significant event celebrates international animal welfare efforts and the official opening of two new facilities at The Big Cat Sanctuary: the Premier Coatings Small Cat Rescue Centre and the Rusty-Spotted Cat Conservation Centre.
Ursa's journey began when she was rescued from illegal private ownership near Kyiv in early 2023. She endured nearly three years in a stable under constant threat of Russian bombardment before a £100,000 emergency campaign funded her evacuation to the UK. Following a 1,400-mile journey, Ursa arrived in February and was released onto natural grass on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
The new Small Cat Rescue Centre provides a safe haven for Ursa and other wild cats rescued from neglect within the UK. This includes Rhys, another Eurasian lynx, Boson the Fishing cat, and Blob the Bobcat, who were saved from a severely neglected site in Hertfordshire.
The sanctuary also unveiled the Rusty-Spotted Cat Conservation Centre, now the UK's largest habitat for the world's smallest wild cat species, weighing as little as 0.9 kg. These centers aim to secure a sustainable future for these species, which face threats from habitat loss and human encroachment.
Members of the public can visit both new facilities during the Big Cat Fest, running across two weeks from July 29 to August 2 and August 5 to August 9, 2026.
