Lion rescued from Ukraine war battles rare fungal disease at US sanctuary

What happened

The Guardian Ukraine reports that Taras, a lion rescued as a four-month-old cub from Odesa railway station during the Ukraine war, now resides at a private wildlife sanctuary in Minnesota, where he is battling a rare fungal disease called blastomycosis. Taras and other rescued lions were brought to the US in November 2022 through efforts involving the Wildcat Sanctuary and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Taras’ diagnosis followed signs of lethargy and loss of appetite in May, leading to extensive veterinary testing, including a specialist lung biopsy in Minneapolis. Blastomycosis, also known as Gilchrist’s disease, is a non-contagious fungal infection typically contracted from soil and can be fatal if not treated early, in both animals and humans. The disease was implicated in the recent death of a white tiger in Wisconsin, highlighting its severity.

Founder and CEO Tammy Thies of the Wildcat Sanctuary said Taras has shown positive response to intensive antifungal treatment, including intravenous medication and ongoing oral dosing. However, his prognosis remains guarded, with recovery expected to take weeks or months due to the disease’s aggressive nature. His survival is described as a 'second miracle' after escaping war-related dangers as a cub.

Known from the source

• Taras was found as a four-month-old cub in a duffel bag at Odesa railway station during the Ukraine war.
• He was brought to the Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota in November 2022 along with three other lions rescued from Ukraine.
• Taras was diagnosed with blastomycosis, a rare fungal infection, after showing symptoms in May 2026.
• Blastomycosis is non-contagious and contracted from soil; it can be fatal if untreated.
• Treatment involved intensive antifungal medication, including IV injections and ongoing oral doses.

What remains unclear

The sanctuary reports that Taras has reunited emotionally with his pride members, including his sisters Lesya and Stefania, and continues to be monitored closely to prevent food theft during medication times. The lions’ origins are unclear but are believed linked to the illegal exotic animal trade disrupted by the war, which forced traffickers to abandon animals at borders.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Confirm the medical diagnosis and treatment details with veterinary reports or the sanctuary’s latest updates. Verify the exact timeline and route of the lions’ rescue and transfer from Ukraine to the US. Check for any updates on Taras's health status after the source publication date.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: The Guardian Ukraine. Open the source.