A Eurasian lynx living in “appalling conditions” in war-torn Ukraine has edged closer to her new forever home in Kent.
Born in 2023, Ursa was found as a malnourished kitten, riddled with parasites, having been illegally kept as a family pet.
Ursa is a two-year-old Eurasian lynx currently living in Kyiv, Ukraine. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary
Although she is now living in the Wild Animals Rescue Center, just outside of Kyiv, bombs are falling around the area and putting her life at constant risk.
Severely neglected and hand-raised, her horrific start to life has left her too vulnerable to survive in the wild.
However, an emergency rescue mission is now underway to transport her to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, near Ashford.
Keepers have begun work on the Small Cat Rescue Centre, where they hope she will permanently live once she reaches Kent shores.
But funding her rescue, transport and emergency care comes at a cost of £100,000, where money is being raised purely through donations.
Ursa is a two-year-old Eurasian lynx currently living in war-torn Ukraine. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary’s managing director, Cam Whitnall, said: “We have raised £50,000 in just four days towards our target of rescuing Ursa.
“Our team has already started work on her forever home – the Small Cat Rescue Centre – where she will join other rescues like Blob the Bobcat and Rhys the Eurasian lynx.
“She will be able to walk on grass for the first time in her life.
“It will get her out of the war and give her the second chance she deserves.
“It’s your support that makes the difference here that will enable us to finish this new, beautiful forever home.”
The Small Cat Rescue Centre is being built for Ursa and fellow rescues, Bob and Rhys. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary
Keepers have described Ursa as “a playful girl who deserves to live a happy, healthy and safe life”.
Should the mission prove successful, her rescue centre would provide her with a “calm, secure space” where “she can finally live without fear” in a lifelong, peaceful environment.
The purpose-built facility has been designed to meet the physical and psychological needs of the cats, ensuring a secure and stimulating space for their future.
Those wishing to donate can do so here.
The Eurasian lynx is native to the forests and mountains across Eurasia, with a broad range stretching through Scandinavia, Russia and Siberia, and central Asia.
How the Small Cat Rescue Centre is set to look. Picture: The Big Cat SanctuaryUrsa is set to arrive at the animal park in Smarden, near Ashford. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary
According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are fears it may soon become the first cat species to become extinct for at least 2,000 years due to threats caused by habitat loss, poaching and a decreasing food base.
Just dozens of the species, which have a body length of up to 120cm and weigh about 20kg, are believed to remain in the wild.
Ursa’s arrival is part of the charity’s ‘Big Cats in Crisis’ campaign.
Last year, it saw the unveiling of the Lion Rescue Centre by the charity’s ambassador, Paul Hollywood.
A fundraising campaign collected £500,000 to build the centre which is the “forever home” for lions Rori, Amani, Lira, Vanda and Yuna.
The animal park’s managing director, Cam Whitnall. Picture: The Big Cat SanctuaryRori was one of five lions brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary from Ukraine in 2025. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary
The Bake Off star was among the guests at the unveiling of the new enclosure to house the cats, which were also rescued from Ukraine.
The initiative began in May 2024 with the aim of creating a brighter future for the lions who have suffered extreme hardship due to the conflict with Russia.
Mr Hollywood and keepers – who care for about 40 big cats including tigers, cheetahs and snow leopards – opened the new habitat in March.