Big Cats Rescued from Argentina Zoo Arrive at South African Sanctuary

Fifteen big cats, comprising nine tigers and six lions, have arrived at the Lionsrock sanctuary in South Africa, marking a significant new chapter for the animals rescued from the former Luján zoo in Argentina. The sanctuary, operated by the Austrian organization Four Paws, spans 1,200 hectares and has dedicated 70 hectares to enclosures for 80 large felines.

The rescued animals come from diverse backgrounds, including former zoos, circuses, war-torn regions like Sudan, canned hunting facilities, and private ownership. This latest group of 15 joins the sanctuary's existing population, bringing the total to 95 big cats. Their arrival in South Africa, the continent of their wild ancestors, signifies a move towards a more natural and humane environment.

Four Paws had entered into an agreement a year ago to take responsibility for the remaining 60 big cats at the Luján zoo, which ceased operations in 2020. Initially, the zoo housed 170 big cats. This initiative also involved relocating two bears to a sanctuary in Bulgaria, managed by Four Paws and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. The relocation effort is extensive, with another group of 15 cats, eight tigers and seven lions, flown to The Wildcat Sanctuary in Denver, Colorado, USA.

The journey for the animals destined for South Africa involved careful transit. They traveled in steel crates with guillotine doors, equipped with ventilation and feeding access, and wooden floors to manage fluids. After landing in Johannesburg, the crates were loaded onto three trucks for the three-hour drive to Bethlehem, near Pretoria. Upon arrival at Lionsrock, a team led by sanctuary director Hildegard Pirker welcomed the animals. Despite the late hour preventing immediate unloading, the cats were attended to, provided with water and food, and their roars could be heard echoing through the night, signaling their presence in their new home.