In the realm of animal rescues, Raincoast Dog Rescue Society含羞草研究社檚 endeavors soar beyond the norm, with its recent mission marking a Noah含羞草研究社檚 Ark-like rescue of nine African lions from a conflict-ridden zoo in Ukraine.

Primarily known for their commitment to canine companions, the society含羞草研究社檚 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含羞草研究社檚 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.

含羞草研究社淚含羞草研究社檓 part Ukrainian, and consider it an honour to assist people and animals there,含羞草研究社� Adams said. 含羞草研究社淒uring one of those trips, we extracted nine lions from a zoo from an area that was under attack.含羞草研究社�

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.

含羞草研究社淭hey含羞草研究社檙e a great organization that was also a big part of the rescue and their expertise with big cats was invaluable,含羞草研究社� Adams noted. 含羞草研究社淲e were told it was the biggest big cat extraction they含羞草研究社檇 ever seen from a conflict zone. It was a real group effort.含羞草研究社�

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.

含羞草研究社淚t was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,含羞草研究社� Adams said. 含羞草研究社淚含羞草研究社檒l never forget the looks we got pulling into a gas station, and two people turned into 45.含羞草研究社�

Although Adams plans to return to Ukraine in the spring or summer, there含羞草研究社檚 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含羞草研究社檛 have to lose her 含羞草研究社渂eloved含羞草研究社� 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.

含羞草研究社淲e含羞草研究社檝e also helped 500 cats get adopted and helped support and relocate hundreds of other animals,含羞草研究社� said Adams, a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who recently re-enlisted with the military reserves. 含羞草研究社淲e含羞草研究社檝e worked with other organizations like heavenly Hooves in Duncan to relocate and support hundreds of other animals.含羞草研究社�

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

含羞草研究社淩ight now we含羞草研究社檙e a purely foster care-based organization that relies on the love and compassion of community members to help us help animals,含羞草研究社� he said. 含羞草研究社淭here含羞草研究社檚 no shortage of that in Sooke and across the Island.含羞草研究社�

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

含羞草研究社淲e含羞草研究社檝e had rescued dogs referred to us by RCMP members from as far North as Resolute Bay,含羞草研究社� Adams added.

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

含羞草研究社淲e could not function without them,含羞草研究社� 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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