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Title: Trees planted for rescued Romanian Lions Author: Yorkshire Wildlife Park  ID & Publication: 20120911036 ~ The-Villager.co.uk  Area: Branton  Subject: Environment

Fans of Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s rescued lions have raised an amazing £1,800 for the pride.

Hundreds of travellers purchased cuddly soft-toy versions of YWP’s magnificent pride of lions with all profits being donated to improve their environment. Now bosses of the award winning wild park have used the money to plant 12 trees in the 10 acre Lion Country Reserve, which provide extra shade and simulation for the majestic animals. The pride was rescued over two years ago from a run down Romanian zoo following a nationwide appeal.

At the time airline Jet2.com kindly joined in the most challenging cat rescue ever to save the lions from the terrible conditions at Oradea Zoo,and provided a plane to fly the lions to their new home back in the UK.

The lions were released into their sprawling new reserve at the end of May 2010 and Jet2.com began selling lions toys on their fleet in February 2011 to raise money. Last week Jet2.com crew visited YWP to help plant the new trees.

Cheryl Williams, Director at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, said: ‘The lions have settled in to life here in Yorkshire superbly and they’re happier and healthier than ever before. The support from Jet2.com has been fantastic, and we’re thrilled to be use the money raised from the airline to plant these trees, which will provide them with extra shade and stimulation.’

Steve Heapy, Chief Commercial Officer of Jet2.com, said: ‘The beautiful lions at Yorkshire Wildlife Park are close to the hearts of the team at Jet2.com so it’s wonderful to see them so settled in to their new life so well. The passengers on board our flights have fed back that they love the cuddly soft-toy lions, so it’s an honour to continue to help the lions settle into their Yorkshire home.’

The lions are a huge hit with visitors, who have travelled from all round the world to see the famous pride. Sadly, Johnny Senior, one of the oldest lions known in captivity and the eldest of the 13 lions rescued died on 21st June 2012. But the other lions are thriving at YWP and now can enjoy the extra cover in Lion Country.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park gives guests the unique opportunity to get up close with the wonders of Animal Kingdom, and is Yorkshire’s acclaimed and fastest growing tourist attraction and offers a fun filled day for every member of the family.

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