In the realm of animal rescues, Raincoast Dog Rescue Society乌鸦传媒檚 endeavors soar beyond the norm, with its recent mission marking a Noah乌鸦传媒檚 Ark-like rescue of nine African lions from a conflict-ridden zoo in Ukraine.

Primarily known for their commitment to canine companions, the society乌鸦传媒檚 Vancouver Island-based founder, Jesse Adams, recently took on an extraordinary mission in June 2022 that involved relocating nine African lions from a zoo in Ukraine that was in the line of fire amidst the conflict.

That Noah乌鸦传媒檚 Ark-like assortment of great and small creatures now includes the lions that Adams assisted during one of his two trips to war-torn Ukraine.

乌鸦传媒淚乌鸦传媒檓 part Ukrainian, and consider it an honour to assist people and animals there,乌鸦传媒� Adams said. 乌鸦传媒淒uring one of those trips, we extracted nine lions from a zoo from an area that was under attack.乌鸦传媒�

Adams worked with Breaking the Chains, a non-profit of ex-military members from the U.K. specializing in extracting animals from danger. Another non-profit also assisted with the effort Worldwide Vets, which works with charities and organizations that help animals by providing funding, support, and equipment.

乌鸦传媒淭hey乌鸦传媒檙e a great organization that was also a big part of the rescue and their expertise with big cats was invaluable,乌鸦传媒� Adams noted. 乌鸦传媒淲e were told it was the biggest big cat extraction they乌鸦传媒檇 ever seen from a conflict zone. It was a real group effort.乌鸦传媒�

The team moved the lions from the zoo in Ukraine to Moldavia and then to Romania in preparation for the trip to their final destination, a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa run by Warriors of Wildlife.

乌鸦传媒淚t was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,乌鸦传媒� Adams said. 乌鸦传媒淚乌鸦传媒檒l never forget the looks we got pulling into a gas station, and two people turned into 45.乌鸦传媒�

Although Adams plans to return to Ukraine in the spring or summer, there乌鸦传媒檚 no shortage of rescue work closer to home for the Otter Point resident.

He was heading to Victoria after the interview with Black Press to assist a woman undergoing treatment so she didn乌鸦传媒檛 have to lose her 乌鸦传媒渂eloved乌鸦传媒� cat.

Adams and five volunteers with the registered charity have helped support and relocate 4,000 dogs and other animals since he launched the society in July 2013.

乌鸦传媒淲e乌鸦传媒檝e also helped 500 cats get adopted and helped support and relocate hundreds of other animals,乌鸦传媒� said Adams, a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who recently re-enlisted with the military reserves. 乌鸦传媒淲e乌鸦传媒檝e worked with other organizations like heavenly Hooves in Duncan to relocate and support hundreds of other animals.乌鸦传媒�

The society primarily assists 23 Indigenous communities in B.C., most of which are on Vancouver Island.

乌鸦传媒淩ight now we乌鸦传媒檙e a purely foster care-based organization that relies on the love and compassion of community members to help us help animals,乌鸦传媒� he said. 乌鸦传媒淭here乌鸦传媒檚 no shortage of that in Sooke and across the Island.乌鸦传媒�

He also works closely with the SPCA, animal control agencies, and the RCMP.

乌鸦传媒淲e乌鸦传媒檝e had rescued dogs referred to us by RCMP members from as far North as Resolute Bay,乌鸦传媒� Adams added.

Funding is raised by charging adoption fees, holding fundraising events, and providing generous support from local companies and individuals.

乌鸦传媒淲e could not function without them,乌鸦传媒� Adams said.

Adams also manages the Raincoast Pet Project, which helps low-income families, people in supportive housing, and those experiencing homelessness with free pet food, supplies like leashes and collars, vet care, and education.

If you want more information, volunteer or donate, visit .

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