Alexander Pylyshenko stands out among cat lovers for a distinctly audacious project. A lifelong admirer of big cats, especially lions, he is preparing to spend a full year living with two adult lions, Samson and Katya, with the goal of raising funds to establish a dedicated care centre for big cats. The plan is not a stunt but a focused effort to draw attention to the welfare of captive big cats and to generate support for rehabilitation initiatives that help these animals live safer, healthier lives.
In 2011, Pylyshenko previously set a Ukraine record by spending 35 days in a cage alongside two lions to raise awareness about maltreatment of captive big cats. During those days, he lived as much as possible like the lions themselves — sleeping on a haybed, consuming raw meat, and even assisting the female lion as she gave birth to cubs. He also wired the enclosure with basic comforts, including a shower and toilet, so he wouldn’t have to leave the space. The experience was intended to show what these animals endure and to call for improved standards of care in captivity.
Now, the plan is to extend that idea into a year-long immersion. He intends to stay inside the lions’ cage for stretches of time and also reside at a nearby country house where he can prepare meals for himself and the lions. The project emphasizes a shared routine, including cooking for the animals and for himself, aiming to demonstrate that a human and big cats can coexist with proper planning, safety, and respect for animal needs. Katya has reportedly developed a taste for his mushroom soup and tomatoes with mayonnaise, a detail that underscores the unusual, cautious harmony he hopes to achieve in daily life with the pair.
Beyond living with the lions, Pylyshenko plans to document the year through multiple creative outlets. He aims to write a book centered on lion behavior, natural history, and conservation, as well as produce portraits of the cats to help raise public awareness about their beauty and vulnerability. A key component of the project is transparency: the year-long experiment would be broadcast live on a dedicated platform to invite public interest and donations. The overarching objective is to raise forty-five thousand dollars to fund the construction of a rehabilitation centre that focuses on big-cat welfare and recovery.
Opinions about the venture vary. Some observers view it as an extraordinary act of bravery and devotion to animal welfare, while others worry about the risks involved in living so closely with predators. The conversation surrounding the project touches on issues of ethics, captivity, safety, and the responsibilities of those who seek to advocate for wild animals. Whatever stance a reader takes, this story prompts a broader discussion about humane care for big cats and the role of fundraising campaigns in supporting legitimate conservation and rehabilitation efforts. People are invited to weigh in on social media to share perspectives and raise questions about the best ways to help big cats in captivity and in the wild.