UPDATE: Dozens of neglected animals at the infamous Lujan Zoo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, are receiving urgent veterinary care as part of a monumental rescue operation. 62 big cats and 2 brown bears are now being treated after years of suffering in cramped cages. This urgent effort follows a recent agreement between Argentine authorities and the international animal welfare organization, Four Paws.
The animals, once confined in claustrophobic enclosures, are now undergoing evaluation and treatment before their transfer to expansive wildlife sanctuaries abroad. This operation, described as one of the largest of its kind, comes after a report revealed the shocking decline in the zoo’s animal population. When Four Paws first visited in 2023, there were only 112 lions and tigers remaining, a stark contrast to over 200 big cats believed to have been housed there at closure in 2020.
“This is one of our biggest missions, not only in Argentina or Latin America, but worldwide,” stated Dr. Amir Khalil, the veterinarian leading the emergency mission. The rescue team is currently assessing the animals one by one, many of whom have not received proper vaccinations or medical care.
Veterinarians are already encountering severe cases. Just last week, one tiger was treated for a bleeding gash, while another was found with a vaginal tumor. The urgency is palpable as the team administers IV drips of nutrients and antibiotics, transforming routine check-ups into emergency surgeries.
“Overcrowded is an understatement,” said Luciana D’Abramo, chief program officer at Four Paws, highlighting cramped conditions where multiple lions were found in 3-meter by 3-meter cages. The situation has led to illnesses, infections, and organ failure, with many animals suffering from stress-related issues due to prolonged confinement.
The Lujan Zoo was notorious for allowing visitors to interact with animals, but its closure in 2020 did little to improve the living conditions for the remaining wildlife. While a few dedicated zookeepers continued to care for the animals, most tragically succumbed to neglect-related illnesses.
The recent agreement with Argentina’s government not only facilitates the rescue but also includes a commitment to end the sale and private ownership of exotic felines. With enforcement challenges across 23 provinces, this legislation marks a significant step toward protecting wildlife in Argentina.
As Four Paws works diligently to rescue and rehabilitate these animals, the emotional toll is evident among former zookeepers. “I’ve seen people cry because they could touch a lion or feed a tiger with a bottle,” said Alberto Díaz, a former caretaker at Lujan Zoo. His nostalgia reflects a changing landscape where the welfare of animals is now prioritized over entertainment.
Next steps include the continued assessment of each animal’s health and arranging their transfer to better living conditions globally. This urgent rescue operation is not just a mission for animal rights but a critical moment for wildlife protection in Argentina.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
