A white tiger rescued from the devastation of war-torn Ukraine is still waiting to begin his journey to a new life in the United Kingdom, where a wildlife park is preparing to welcome him with open arms.
Found Abandoned in Eastern Ukraine
The tiger, named Aleks, was discovered abandoned last year in the Kharkiv region. He was later transferred to an animal shelter in Chubynske, near Kyiv, where he has been recovering ever since.
Aleks is now set to be rehomed at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, near Boston, England. According to the park, all official paperwork has been completed — the only thing left is arranging his transport crate.
“We’re Ready for Him”
Steve Nichols, chief executive of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, said the team is fully prepared for Aleks’ arrival.
“We’ve got the kettle on, we’re waiting, we are ready and will get him here one way or another,” Nichols said.
He explained that the rescue team in Ukraine has been working under extreme conditions.
“They’re working to their absolute limits in a war environment,” Nichols added.
Living in Harsh Conditions
While waiting for transport, Aleks is currently living in a concrete enclosure with straw on the floor. The shelter did not expect the relocation process to take so long.
“The poor people are trying their hardest just to stop the water from freezing,” Nichols said. “We feel so aware that we can’t control that side of it.”
Nichols said that if Aleks were already in the UK, he would be living comfortably instead of “waking up with freezing fur.”
A Tiger Who Nearly Didn’t Survive
Before his rescue, Aleks was in extremely poor health. He was:
- Severely dehydrated
- Infested with parasites
- Exhausted and malnourished
- Suffering from gastrointestinal, liver, and kidney problems
Veterinarians have since worked to stabilize him and ensure he is strong enough for long-distance travel.
Journey Across Europe Expected Soon
The park says they are now waiting for final transport details.
“All we need is the dimensions of the carrying crate so a vehicle can be allocated and a date set,” Nichols said.
He expects Aleks to begin his journey within the next three weeks.
Aleks will be driven from Ukraine through Poland and northern Europe, before crossing from Dover into the UK and continuing to Lincolnshire.
A Three-Stage New Beginning
Once he arrives, Aleks will go through a carefully planned rehabilitation process:
- Indoor enclosure with sleeping, feeding, and play areas
- Outdoor enclosure with veterinary supervision
- Gradual introduction to other tigers at the park
From War Zone to Wildlife Sanctuary
After surviving abandonment, illness, and a war zone, Aleks is finally on the verge of a peaceful life.
Soon, instead of freezing mornings in a concrete shelter, he will experience safety, care, and comfort — the life he was always meant to have. 🐅🇺🇦➡️🇬🇧