A Eurasian lynx living in \u201cappalling conditions\u201d in war-torn Ukraine has edged closer to her new forever home in Kent.<\/p>\n
Born in 2023, Ursa was found as a malnourished kitten, riddled with parasites, having been illegally kept as a family pet.<\/p>\n
Ursa is a two-year-old Eurasian lynx currently living in Kyiv, Ukraine. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Severely neglected and hand-raised, her horrific start to life has left her too vulnerable to survive in the wild.<\/p>\n
However, an emergency rescue mission is now underway to transport her to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, near Ashford.<\/p>\n
Keepers have begun work on the Small Cat Rescue Centre, where they hope she will permanently live once she reaches Kent shores.<\/p>\n
But funding her rescue, transport and emergency care comes at a cost of \u00a3100,000, where money is being raised purely through donations.<\/p>\n
Ursa is a two-year-old Eurasian lynx currently living in war-torn Ukraine. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary<\/p>\n
The sanctuary\u2019s managing director, Cam Whitnall, said: \u201cWe have raised \u00a350,000 in just four days towards our target of rescuing Ursa.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe will be able to walk on grass for the first time in her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will get her out of the war and give her the second chance she deserves.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s your support that makes the difference here that will enable us to finish this new, beautiful forever home.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Small Cat Rescue Centre is being built for Ursa and fellow rescues, Bob and Rhys. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary<\/p>\n
Keepers have described Ursa as \u201ca playful girl who deserves to live a happy, healthy and safe life\u201d.<\/p>\n
Should the mission prove successful, her rescue centre would provide her with a \u201ccalm, secure space\u201d where \u201cshe can finally live without fear\u201d in a lifelong, peaceful environment.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Those wishing to donate can do so here<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ursa\u2019s arrival is part of the charity’s ‘Big Cats in Crisis’ campaign.<\/p>\nHow the Small Cat Rescue Centre is set to look. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary
Ursa is set to arrive at the animal park in Smarden, near Ashford. Picture: The Big Cat Sanctuary<\/p>\n