In a significant rescue effort, the plight of animals stranded at the now-closed Lujan Zoo near Buenos Aires has attracted international attention. On Thursday, 62 big cats and two brown bears received urgent veterinary care for the first time in years, marking a pivotal moment for their future. These animals, previously housed in substandard conditions, are set to be transferred to expansive wildlife sanctuaries abroad thanks to a collaboration between the Argentine government and Four Paws, an international animal welfare organization.
The Lujan Zoo was shut down in 2020 due to escalating safety concerns. The zoo was notorious for allowing visitors to interact closely with big cats, leading to widespread criticism. Following its closure, the situation for the remaining animals worsened significantly. Over five years, dedicated but unemployed zookeepers attempted to care for the animals left behind, sustaining them with limited resources. Tragically, this effort was insufficient; many animals succumbed to illnesses related to poor nutrition and inadequate medical care.
In 2023, Four Paws conducted a thorough assessment, finding that the number of lions and tigers had plummeted from over 200 at the time of closure to just 112. In the following years, nearly half of these animals died due to various health issues exacerbated by the cramped and stressful living conditions.
“It was really shocking,” stated Luciana D’Abramo, chief program officer at Four Paws, as she highlighted the dire state of the animals. The organization found cages that were grossly overcrowded, such as a 3-meter by 3-meter enclosure housing seven female lions.
The urgent veterinary care began this week, with a team of veterinarians working diligently to assess each animal’s health. Many had not received vaccinations or other essential treatments for years. Sedated lions and tigers were placed on operating tables for checkups, which often escalated into emergency surgeries. The team provided nutrients, antibiotics, and pain relief through intravenous drips.
Among the urgent cases, one tiger was treated for a severe tail injury, and another underwent surgery for a vaginal tumor. Several other big cats required dental care to address infections caused by broken teeth, while others received treatment for painful claw conditions resulting from unnatural living environments.
Following the evaluation period, Four Paws plans to relocate the animals to larger sanctuaries around the world. This operation is unprecedented in scale, not only for Four Paws but also for animal welfare efforts in Argentina and beyond. Dr. Amir Khalil, the veterinarian leading the mission, emphasized the enormity of the challenge, stating, “The number of animals and the conditions where they are kept make this a much bigger challenge.”
In addition to rescuing the animals, the agreement reached between the Argentine government and Four Paws includes a commitment to prohibit the sale and private ownership of exotic felines across the country. This move addresses a significant gap in wildlife protection, as enforcement varies widely across Argentina’s 23 provinces.
For many former zookeepers, the news of the rescue brings mixed emotions. Alberto Díaz, who dedicated 27 years to caring for big cats at Lujan Zoo, expressed nostalgia for the past. “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,” he recounted, reflecting on the transition from a hands-on visitor experience to a more humane approach to animal welfare.
As the rescue operation unfolds, it represents not only a chance for a better life for the animals but also a critical shift in Argentina’s approach to wildlife conservation. The collaboration between Four Paws and local authorities sets a precedent for future animal welfare initiatives, promising hope for stranded wildlife across the region.
