Lions

Stranded Big Cats‍ Rescued from Luján Zoo Years​ After Argentina’s Closure

Luján, ⁤Argentina – September 23, 2024 ​ – A‍ massive⁤ animal⁤ rescue operation is underway ‍at‌ the former Luján Zoo outside ⁤Buenos Aires, years after the facility ⁢was shuttered ⁤following years of animal welfare concerns. International animal⁣ welfare institution​ Four Paws⁣ is leading the effort to relocate dozens of lions, tigers, and ⁢other big cats from⁣ the derelict zoo, marking its largest-ever big cat⁤ rescue.

The Luján Zoo gained notoriety ⁣for its poor conditions and ⁢hands-on animal encounters, allowing tourists to touch ​and⁣ feed big cats. The zoo was eventually⁣ closed, leaving its animals⁢ stranded. ⁤Four ⁣Paws has⁢ previously conducted‍ rescues in conflict zones, including rescuing ⁤starving tigers from Syria’s civil war, abandoned bears and hyenas from Mosul, Iraq, and neglected lion cubs from the Gaza Strip, but this operation presents a unique scale of challenge.

“Here, the number of animals and the conditions where​ they are kept make this a much⁢ bigger challenge,”⁢ said ⁣Dr. Amir Khalil, the veterinarian leading the⁣ Four Paws emergency ⁣mission.​ “This is ⁣one of our biggest missions​ … not only⁤ in Argentina​ or Latin america, but‍ worldwide.”

Veterinarians and experts‍ began ⁢assessing ⁣the animals on Thursday,discovering that most had ⁤not been vaccinated,sterilized,or microchipped.The team ⁢has been administering nutrients, antibiotics, and pain medication to⁤ sedated lions and tigers. Emergency surgeries have already been performed,including ​treatment‌ for a ⁣bleeding gash on a tiger’s tail and ‌a⁢ vaginal⁣ tumor on a lioness. Several animals require root canals to address infected molars broken on⁤ steel cage bars, ​and others​ are ⁤being treated for claw deformities​ caused by‌ unnatural flooring.

After evaluation in the coming weeks, Four Paws will arrange for the ‌animals’ transfer to more expansive, ⁤natural habitats around⁣ the world.

The rescue evokes mixed​ emotions from former zookeepers. Alberto ​Díaz, who worked at the Luján Zoo for 27 years, expressed happiness at the improved⁤ conditions while also recalling⁣ the zoo’s popularity. “It used to be ​a very popular place ‍… ‌I’ve seen people cry because they could touch a lion or feed a tiger with⁣ a bottle,” Díaz‍ said. “Time changes, laws change, ⁢and you have to adapt ⁢or⁢ get⁣ left behind.”