Great Foundation
Ever wondered what life is like for big cats caught in the crossfire of war? Brace yourself for a glimpse into the heart-wrenching world of Wild Animal Rescue in Kiev, where each day is a relentless battle to save lions, tigers, and leopards from the horrors of captivity and the aftermath of injuries.
**The Grueling Reality of the Rescue Routine**
Picture this: Every morning, our dedicated team takes on the Herculean task of serving up to nine kilos of meat to each big cat. But these majestic predators don’t just need the basics – they crave fresh water, immaculate enclosures, and mental stimulation. Faced with limited space in their temporary homes, we’ve had to get creative – from hanging tires for them to play with to dishing out giant chunks of meat and even tossing in pumpkins for them to tear apart.
**Intensive Medical Drama in a War-Torn Soundscape**
The drama doesn’t end with feeding time. In a region accustomed to drone attacks and missile strikes, our big cats grapple with thunderous explosions, relentless noise, and stress. Last November, a missile landed a stone’s throw away from the center, sending Tygriulia, a tigress, into a state of shock. Her desperate reaction? Slamming herself against the enclosure walls, leaving her battered and bruised. This wasn’t just a setback; it was a call for intensive veterinary intervention.
**Traumatized Beasts, Perpetual Struggle**
Most of these magnificent creatures arrive at the center in a pitiful state – high-stress levels, malnourished, and, in some cases, shockingly overweight. Blame it on the war – nearby explosions and scarcity of food due to human conflict have taken a brutal toll. Many of them are casualties of irresponsible owners, abandoning them in the chaos.
**The Bleak Path to a Safer Future for Big Cats**
Behind the scenes, our relentless mission is to find safe havens for these creatures. Here’s the gut-wrenching truth: Ukraine lacks specialized sanctuaries for big cats, and European centers are stretched thin. Add to this the unregulated trade in exotic animals, and the result is an overwhelming number of overcrowded shelters.
Some lucky ones have found new homes, but for many, the journey to safety is far from over. Your support can be a lifeline. By donating to Wild Animal Rescue, you’re not just witnessing this heartbreaking saga; you’re actively participating in giving these animals a chance at life.
Join IFAW on this raw journey to rescue and protect animals worldwide. Together, we can flip the script and script a safer, more compassionate future for these magnificent beings. Make a donation today to shock the world and change theirs.
The world can be a dangerous place, especially for vulnerable baby animals. Wildlife crime, habitat destruction, and more frequent and severe natural disasters caused by climate change can all leave young animals alone, separated from their mothers, and in need of rescue.
But we have the power to make a difference and protect animals and their habitats. That’s why we’re kicking off 2024 with a month-long drive to find 300 new monthly donors to help us protect animals, and fill a bottle for baby animals who deserve bright futures.
Monthly giving is the best and most efficient way to support IFAW’s work. Each dollar you give will provide the consistent, reliable support we need to be there for animals, wherever and whenever they need us. With your help, we can build a brighter future for animals.
Make a monthly gift during our Champions for Animals Drive! Your monthly gift could help fill a bottle of milk for a baby elephant and power our work to protect vulnerable animals around the world, donate now to protect them.
Help us reach our goal of 300 new monthly donors and make your gift today! Donate Now
