Zoo says Ukraine lionesses getting 'second chance'

Two lionesses rescued from a Ukrainian war zone have arrived at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian.

Luna and Plusza - both aged four - arrived at the zoo on Wednesday night.

The sisters were originally rescued in 2022 from an area in Eastern Ukraine that had been affected by heavy bombing.

Zoo officials said the lions travelled from Belgium and would be given the space to "recover and thrive" from their challenging journey.

Luna and Plusza originally travelled through Ukraine's capital Kyiv and Poland to the Natuurhulpcentrum animal sanctuary in Belgium.

Gary Curran, head of carnivores at Five Sisters Zoo, said the zoo wanted to support animals with difficult experiences and give them a peaceful life.

He said: "The safe arrival of Luna and Plusza underscores our commitment to giving lions a second chance at life."

Earlier this year, the zoo rescued Asiastic black bear, Yampil, after he also survived heavy bombing in Ukraine.

However, the 12-year-old bear died in July following an anaesthetic procedure.