A lion with “psychological issues” has completed her 1,400-mile trip from Ukraine to Kent as part of a project rescuing the cat from the war-torn country.

African lioness Yuna suffered “shell shock” and has lost her sense of co-ordination, according to workers at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, near Ashford.

The sanctuary, which is home to 40 cats including tigers, cheetahs and snow leopards, is behind the 'Big Cats in Crisis' campaign to provide a forever home for five African lions who have been living at the Wildlife Animal Rescue (WAR) in Kyiv.

Yuna, has been rescued from Ukraine after debris was blasted close to her enclosure in January as a result of the country's war with Russia.

Soon-to-be joined by her pal, African male Rori, she is the first to hit Kent shores.

Her arrival has been met with excitement by members at the Smarden-based site.

A spokesperson said: “The moment you’ve all been waiting for - Yuna is home.

“After 1,400 miles on the road and a 35-hour journey, Yuna arrived safely at the sanctuary in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“She has settled in well to her off-show den. Her confidence is growing day by day and it’s truly moving to see.

"After more than two and a half years since the war, Yuna had her first opportunity to step outside.

"Although she didn’t quite venture out, watching her tentatively peek at her outdoor space was such a heartwarming sight.

"It felt like a small but significant step forward in her journey of recovery.

"Each day here at the sanctuary, she’s becoming a little braver and more assured."

They continued: ““None of this would be possible without every single one of you.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in this mission and standing with us every step of the way.”

The lioness was taken to the Wild Animal Rescue in Kyiv, supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), on Wednesday (August 14), before she made a four-day journey across six countries to receive treatment at the sanctuary.

She was driven by car from Ukraine to Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium and France before boarding a ferry to Dover and then taken to Smarden.

Natalia Gozak, who helped with the lions’ rescue on behalf of IFAW and Wild Animal Rescue, said: “Ukraine is now no stranger to tragedy, and the stories of these big cats are no different.

“I am happy that, at least for them, they are heading to a safer place.

“The Big Cat Sanctuary has offered permanent homes to the remaining lions, including Yuna, who we feared might not be homed due to her psychological issues.”

Rori will be taken to a temporary home in Natuurhulpcentrum, Belgium, where he will be joined by three more lions named Vanda, Amani and Lira, before making the same journey as Yuna to The Big Cat Sanctuary, which currently only has capacity for one lion.

The site's project lead, Cam Whitnall, said: “It’s been a huge effort from everyone involved.

“We have worked night and day for many months for this very moment and we can’t wait to get them to their forever home now here at the sanctuary.”

Those wishing to donate to the Big Cats in Crisis campaign can do so here.

The sanctuary has raised more than £300,000 of its £500,000 target which will go towards transportation costs, veterinary treatment and help fund the construction of the Lion Rescue Centre.