Lions and Tigers from Shuttered Argentine Zoo Begin Journey to Sanctuaries
On Friday, a significant relocation process commenced for thirty big cats from a shuttered zoo in Lujan, Argentina. The animals, including lions and tigers, are being transferred to wildlife refuges in South Africa and the United States, following the zoo's closure in 2020 due to welfare concerns. Four Paws, an organization focused on animal rights, is managing the operation. Luciana D'Abramo, a program director, emphasized their dedication to ensuring the animals’ safe journey. The cats destined for Colorado will travel through Chile, while those heading to South Africa will reach the Lionsrock sanctuary after a flight to Johannesburg.
Key facts
- Thirty lions and tigers are being transferred from a closed zoo in Lujan, Argentina.
- The zoo was shut down in 2020 over animal welfare concerns.
- The animals are headed to sanctuaries in South Africa and the United States.
- Four Paws is coordinating the transfer.
- Luciana D'Abramo is the programme director for Four Paws.
- Cats bound for Colorado will fly through Chile.
- Cats for South Africa will travel to Johannesburg via Frankfurt or Amsterdam.
- The final destination in South Africa is Lionsrock sanctuary.
Entities
Institutions
- Four Paws
- Lionsrock
Locations
- Argentina
- Lujan
- South Africa
- United States
- Colorado
- Chile
- Johannesburg
- Frankfurt
- Amsterdam