Thirty lions and tigers have been rescued from a former zoo in Argentina, where they had been kept for years in small concrete enclosures.
The animals began their journey from the former Zoo Luján, near Buenos Aires, on 17 August. Fifteen are being taken to a sanctuary in South Africa and another 15 to a sanctuary in the United States.
Some have dental disease, kidney problems, old injuries and health problems linked to being declawed. At their new homes, they will receive lifelong care and treatment based on their individual needs.
The move is part of a larger rescue operation involving more than 60 lions and tigers that were kept at the zoo.
Zoo Luján closed in 2020
Zoo Luján was a private zoo known for allowing visitors to have close contact with big cats.
Argentine authorities closed the zoo in 2020 over animal welfare concerns. But the closure did not immediately lead to new homes for the animals. Lions, tigers and other animals continued to be kept at the site for years.
In 2025, international animal welfare organisation Four Paws became involved. The organisation signed an agreement with the Argentine government in July that included finding long-term solutions for the animals at the former zoo.
In October and November, veterinarians examined 64 animals and provided surgery and treatment where needed. Four Paws also repaired enclosures, changed how some animals were grouped and introduced diets that better met their needs.
Four days to prepare 30 big cats
Moving 30 lions and tigers across three continents took months of planning.
The final preparations took four days. Some of the animals had been trained to enter their transport crates voluntarily. Others were sedated and placed into the crates under veterinary supervision.
After final health checks, they left Buenos Aires on passenger and cargo flights.
Nine tigers and six lions are being taken to Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa, which is run by Four Paws. Eight tigers and seven lions are going to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado in the United States.
Family groups and animals that have been kept together for many years will remain together at the sanctuaries.
This is not the first group to leave Zoo Luján. In February 2026, Four Paws moved two bears, Gordo and Florencia, and a tigress named Flora from the former zoo to its sanctuaries in Europe.
Four Paws says its work there is not finished at the zoo and that it is now looking for long-term solutions for the remaining big cats.
The organisation is also working with the Argentine government on stronger protection for big cats and on ending their private keeping and commercial trade in the country.
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