The lionesses arrived 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 two four-year-old lionesses named Luna and Plussa on Thursday.

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

The pair were first sheltered in Kyiv, then moved to Poland and then to the Natuurhulpcentrum in Belgium, before the Five Sisters Zoo provided permanent refuge in Scotland.

Gary Curran, Head of Carnivore at Five Sisters Zoo, said: “The safe arrival of Luna and Plussa underlines our commitment to giving lions a second chance at life.

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

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

The zoo added that Luna and Plussa’s arrival continues a “proud tradition” of working with international rescue organizations to provide a safe home for animals in need.

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

Five Sisters Zoo previously adopted four lions – Boss, Skinny, Gemini 1 and Gemini 2 – from Belgium, where they were rescued “from a life of misery” in a traveling circus.

Of the original pride, only Skinny remains today as the zoo honors the other lions and continues with new rescue efforts.

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