Danish Zoo Brings Male Lion from Ukraine to Denmark: ‘It’s Absolutely Heartbreaking’

The new inhabitant of Knuthenborg Safari Park, with its large mane, deep growl, and battle weight of around 170 kilos, is hard to miss. The male lion, Akeru, comes all the way from Ukraine. He is the first male lion that the park has brought back to Denmark since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

“Unfortunately, there is still a need to evacuate lions due to the war in Ukraine. We see it as part of our responsibility to ensure that they are not sold on the illegal market,” says Christoffer Knuth, Director of Knuthenborg Safari Park.

Before Akeru arrived in Denmark, he had a brief stay at a zoo in the Polish city of Poznan. A “transit station” has been set up there for the evacuated animals coming from Ukraine.

In 2023, Knuthenborg Safari Park brought three female lions from Ukraine, so Akeru will be in good company with lionesses who “speak the same language” as him.

“We don’t know much about his past in Ukraine – whether he has been with other lions, or only with people,” says Therese Hård, the zoo and veterinary chief at Knuthenborg Safari Park.

The lions were evacuated in cooperation with Animal Protection in Denmark.

“We are very pleased that we have once again had the opportunity to secure a good future for a Ukrainian lion. Akeru is coming to Knuthenborg, where he can finally live the life he deserves,” says Anne Sofie Meilvang, biologist and project manager for international projects at Animal Protection.

“After what he has been through, he deserves a peaceful existence where his natural needs are met, his welfare is a top priority, and he can feel safe,” the statement reads.

Currently, Akeru is living alone in a facility at Knuthenborg, where his behavior and training are being observed. However, the public can still catch a glimpse of the new male lion.

“We know that he has not been out for about a year, which is heartbreaking when you think about it. So we need to make sure that he is introduced to his large new facility in a good way,” says Therese Hård.

According to Knuthenborg Safari Park, more lions will be coming in the near future.