PCL Attend the Grand Opening of the ‘Lion Rescue Centre’

Premier Coatings Ltd. (PCL) were delighted to attend the grand opening of the Lion Rescue Centre at the Big Cat Sanctuary (BCS) in Smarden. The opening of the new purpose-built facility on March 25^th marked the successful culmination of the charity’s ambitious efforts to rescue five African lions from Ukraine and rehome them here in the UK.

The BCS’s ‘Big Cats in Crisis’ appeal was launched in 2024 with the aim of raising £500,000 to help fund the rescue of the four female lionesses and one male lion. The big cats had suffered greatly from debilitating physical and neurological ailments and had been housed in highly unsuitable living conditions during, and prior to, the outbreak of war in the country. The small but dedicated team at Wild Animals Rescue Centre in Kyiv helped with the initial rescue of each of the lions and provided temporary shelter whilst a more permanent solution was found.

As long-time sponsors of the sanctuary’s conservation efforts, PCL and the F.B. Coales No.4 (Family) Trust offered their support with a total donation of £50,000 – which combined with donations from other sponsors and the public, helped the ‘Big Cats in Crisis’ campaign to reach its fundraising goal.

The Lion Rescue Centre was formally opened by BCS staff and esteemed guests including their newly appointed Managing Director, Cam Whitnall; the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi; and BCS Ambassador Paul Hollywood. The centre now provides each lion with their own individually tailored space, allowing them to recuperate in a safe, calming environment that meets their unique needs. PCL and the F.B. Coales Trust were thrilled to be invited to the grand opening to view the facility and the rescued lions up close, along with viewing some of the other impressive felines also housed at the sanctuary.

Attending the opening day, Steve Crawley – Managing Director, PCL – said, “We are delighted to support such a worthy cause and support our neighbours. The team at PCL are motivated in the knowledge that their endeavours contribute not only to the business purposes of the company but also the charitable purposes of the trust.”

Also in attendance, Sarah Hashmi – a trustee of the F.B. Coales No.4 (Family) Trust – commented, “The dedication and love for these amazing animals was clear to see from talking to members of staff involved with their rescue and rehabilitation. The enclosures and centre are stunning, and the lions looked incredibly chilled despite the numerous photographers and visitors. It was a pleasure to help such a worthy cause, and I look forward to future visits.”

Fellow trustee John Burton noted, “After consulting with my fellow trustees, we all enthusiastically agreed to donate to the Big Cats in Crisis campaign. It was fantastic to see the Big Cat Sanctuary reach their fundraising goal and a pleasure to attend the opening of the impressive new habitat that they have constructed.”

On behalf of everyone at PCL and the F.B. Coales Trust, we’d like to offer our sincerest congratulations to the whole team at the Big Cat Sanctuary and wish the lions the very best for the future in their new home.

For further information on the campaign and to discover the story behind each lion’s rescue, please visit The Big Cat Sanctuary’s website here: https://thebigcatsanctuary.org/big-cats-in-crisis/