Historic Airlift to Move 30 Big Cats From Argentina to Sanctuaries Abroad

An international animal welfare group has begun the painstaking process of relocating 30 big cats from a former zoo in Lujan, Argentina, marking what it calls its largest rescue mission to date.

Over the coming days, the animals — a mix of tigers and lions — will be transported to two destinations: the Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa and The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, United States. The journey, which spans three continents, will involve both passenger and cargo flights scheduled to depart on Monday, August 17.

Preparations at the site have been extensive. While some of the cats voluntarily walked into their transport crates, others required sedation under the careful watch of veterinarians. Footage from the scene shows rescue workers using tranquilizer blowpipes, monitoring vital signs, and carefully lifting sedated animals into metal crates for the long journey ahead.

Luciana D'Abramo, Chief Programme Officer at Four Paws, described the operation as unprecedented. "It is the largest rescue mission we have ever undertaken," she said. "Thirty at the same time is something no one has done so far. So we will be the pioneers."

Juno van Zon, Head of Animal & Facility Management at Four Paws, acknowledged the stress of transport but emphasized the brighter future awaiting the animals. "A very bright future is ahead," she said. "At least we can provide them with the best possible."

Meanwhile, 27 other big cats that could not be moved overseas will remain at the former zoo for the time being.