UPDATE: An urgent rescue operation is underway as 62 big cats and 2 brown bears from the infamous Lujan Zoo near Buenos Aires, Argentina, begin receiving critical veterinary care after years of severe neglect. This monumental operation, led by the international animal welfare organization Four Paws, is one of the largest of its kind, following a recent agreement with Argentine authorities to improve conditions for the remaining animals.
The Lujan Zoo, notorious for allowing visitors to interact with wild animals, was closed in 2020 due to escalating safety concerns. However, the conditions for the remaining animals continued to deteriorate for years. Caretakers reported that of the initial count of 112 lions and tigers at the zoo in 2023, nearly half have perished from illnesses stemming from poor nutrition and lack of medical care.
“This is one of our biggest missions, not only in Argentina or Latin America, but worldwide,” stated Dr. Amir Khalil, the veterinarian leading the rescue operation. The stark reality was highlighted by Luciana D’Abramo, chief program officer at Four Paws, who described a cramped cage housing seven female lions as “overcrowded is an understatement.”
Veterinarians are working around the clock to assess each animal’s health. Many have not received vaccinations or medical attention in years, leading to severe health issues. The urgency is palpable as emergency surgeries become routine. Last week, one tiger was treated for a bleeding tail injury, while another underwent surgery for a detected tumor.
As the rescue progresses, Four Paws is preparing for the relocation of these animals to expansive wildlife sanctuaries that can provide the care and environment they desperately need. The organization emphasizes the importance of a humane, natural habitat for each animal, contrasting sharply with the cramped and unsanitary conditions they previously endured.
The rescue operation is not just about animal welfare; it reflects a significant shift in Argentina’s approach to exotic animal ownership. The government has committed to ending the sale and private ownership of exotic felines, a crucial step towards preventing future abuses.
For many former zookeepers, there is a bittersweet sense of nostalgia. “It used to be a very popular place,” shared Alberto Díaz, a former zookeeper who dedicated 27 years to the care of these animals. “But time changes, laws change, and you have to adapt or get left behind.”
As the situation develops, Four Paws is making every effort to ensure that these animals will no longer suffer. The world is watching as this urgent mission unfolds, and the hope is that these majestic creatures will soon find peace in a sanctuary that respects their needs.
Stay tuned for more updates as this historic rescue continues.
