In pictures: Martinair brings lion that roamed through bombed Ukraine to a new home

Vasylyna was kept as a pet in Ukraine. After the Russian invasion, the lion escaped and roamed the bombed streets of a village near the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv before being captured.

This is how she eventually ended up at FELIDA, a shelter for big cats in Friesland run by the Vier Voeters foundation. That organization arranged for the animal to fly to South Africa, together with another lion that had been rescued from illegal private ownership in Montenegro.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has a lot of experience with the transport of large animals and flew them to Johannesburg on the night from Thursday to Friday with the PH-MPS, the only freight 747 in Martinair colors. From there they are taken to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.

In LIONSROCK, Vasylyna and the other lion end up in a large reserve, where they can be safe for the rest of their lives.

Vasylyna during transport and arrival in Johannesburg. Image material: Four Paws/Vier Voeters and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo.