Years after notorious zoo closed, the stranded animals are finally being rescued
LUJAN, Argentina —
Lions, tigers, and bears that survived in inadequate conditions at a now-closed zoo on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina, were seen pacing weakly in their cramped cages on Thursday, awaiting urgent veterinary care after years of neglect.
The 62 big cats and two brown bears were receiving much-needed evaluation and treatment before being relocated to spacious wildlife sanctuaries abroad. This effort marks one of the largest and most complex operations following an agreement between Argentina and an international animal welfare organization.
The Lujan Zoo was shut down by Argentine authorities in 2020 due to safety concerns, but the situation for the animals deteriorated further. Over the past five years, a few dedicated zookeepers, despite losing their jobs, took on the responsibility of caring for the abandoned lions and tigers.
However, the conditions were dire, and most of the animals did not survive. When Four Paws, an international animal welfare organization, visited the zoo in 2023, they found a significantly reduced number of big cats, with many succumbing to illnesses, injuries, and stress-related issues.
The organization’s chief program officer described the overcrowded and hostile environment the animals were living in, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. The current mission to rescue and rehabilitate these animals is one of the organization’s most challenging endeavors to date.
