The Final Flight: Rescuing big cats from Zoo Lujan to South African sanctuary

On August 17, 2026, 30 lions and tigers left the former Zoo Lujan in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for new homes in South Africa. This rescue mission, orchestrated by the global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS, was the culmination of a five-year battle against the controversial petting zoo practices at Zoo Lujan. The zoo had been under scrutiny for years, leading to its closure in 2020 by Argentine authorities.

However, the animals remained in a precarious situation due to the lack of veterinary infrastructure. In July 2025, FOUR PAWS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Argentine government to take full responsibility for the animals' care. Rescue specialist Pia Einheimler described the conditions upon arrival at the former zoo, noting the strong smell, open wounds, stress behaviors, and poor living conditions.

Lead veterinarian Dr. Amir Khalil emphasized the urgency of the animals' medical needs, stating that some required immediate attention. Over four days, the animals were trained to voluntarily enter their transport crates, with those requiring additional medical care being sedated before being loaded onto trucks. The journey to their new habitats was a significant step towards a better life for these big cats.

Fifteen of them were transported to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, while the remaining fifteen arrived at the LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary near Bethlehem in South Africa. The sanctuary provides ample natural habitat for the lions, marking a significant victory for global animal advocacy groups and the dedicated team in Buenos Aires.