The zoo said that Ukrainian lionesses are getting a “second chance”

Lionesses Luna and Plussa sit on a stone in their enclosure. The lion on the left is lying down, and the one on the right is sitting upright. Both lionesses look at the camera. — Luna and Plussa arrived at the Five Sisters Zoo on Wednesday evening (PA Media)

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

Luna and Plussa, both four years old, arrived at the zoo on Wednesday evening.

The sisters were initially rescued in 2022 from an area in eastern Ukraine that was hit by heavy bombing.

Zoo officials said the lions came from Belgium and will be given space to “recover and thrive” after their difficult journey.

Luna and Plussa initially traveled through the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and Poland to the Natuurhulpcentrum animal shelter in Belgium.

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

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

Earlier this year Zoo rescues Asian black bearYampol, after it also survived heavy bombing in Ukraine.

However, the 12-year-old bear died in July after undergoing anesthesia.

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