On the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a long-overlooked situation of animal mistreatment is being addressed. At the now-closed Luján Zoo, 62 big cats and two brown bears — survivors of years of neglect — are finally receiving urgent veterinary treatment and awaiting relocation to sanctuaries, according to The Associated Press.
When it shuttered in 2020, Luján Zoo was infamous for allowing visitors to pose with lions and tigers. Since then, the situation has worsened dramatically, with only some of the stranded animals surviving thanks to a small group of former zookeepers who, even after being laid off, continued returning to feed and care for them.
At the time of closure, 136 big cats were living there (though another estimate is over 200). Tragically, many of the animals succumbed to malnutrition, infections, stress-induced organ failure from confinement, and injuries from fights with other animals they’d never meet in their natural habitats.
One 10 square-foot cage, for instance, held seven female lions. In the enclosure beside them, two Asian tigers were confined with two African lions.
Rescue Operation Underway
Under a recent agreement with the Argentine government, animal protection organization Four Paws has stepped in to lead the rescue effort. Veterinarians and experts have begun evaluating and treating the animals, many of whom had never been vaccinated, sterilized, or microchipped. Several of them also had to undergo emergency surgeries.
Among the troubling findings: a lioness with a vaginal tumor, multiple big cats with infected and broken molars, animals with claws growing inward from walking on unnatural flooring, and a tiger suffering from a bleeding tail wound.
The big cats and bears will all eventually be transferred to more suitable homes in wildlife sanctuaries abroad.
A Broken System
The situation surrounding Luján Zoo highlights how captive wild animals often fall through the cracks — with horrific consequences for their welfare.
Under the memorandum of understanding, Argentina agreed to prohibit the sale and private ownership of exotic felines — though enforcing that commitment remains to be seen, given there are 23 provinces with differing rules.
Still, this move means everything to the animals being saved, and Lady Freethinker is grateful to everyone involved in the rescue efforts. We hope this will inspire more governments worldwide to prioritize relocating animals still stranded in closed zoos, aquariums, and other facilities to prevent more needless suffering and death.
