“Eurasian lynx were indigenous to this country over a thousand years ago so she will be used to our climate and will hopefully settle in well.”
Whitnall said seeing Ursa take her first steps in Kent was an “incredibly emotional moment for the whole team”.
“This mission was fraught with unpredictability, navigating a war zone with two vulnerable predators, but seeing them both safe makes every risk worthwhile,” he added.
“Ursa has spent her life under the shadow of war; today, that story changes. She is finally home.”
As well as Ursa, the sanctuary helped with the transport of Mir, an Amur Tiger, who was safely delivered to Belgium.