15 Rescued Big Cats Arrive Safely at LIONSROCK
Lions and tigers rescued from Argentina begin their new lives under the care of FOUR PAWS in South Africa
Bethlehem, 20 August 2026 – Fifteen big cats rescued from the former Zoo Luján in Argentina have arrived safely at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, marking a significant milestone in an international rescue mission led by global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS.
The nine tigers and six lions travelled thousands of kilometres from Argentina to their new home in South Africa and eight tigers and seven lions to the United States. Upon arrival at LIONSROCK, the animals were carefully introduced to specially prepared adaption enclosures, where they have begun settling into their new surroundings.
For many of these animals, this is the first time they have experienced expansive natural habitats after spending years in inadequate enclosures at the former Zoo Luján, which was closed by Argentine authorities in 2020 due to animal welfare concerns.
The transfer follows months of planning by veterinarians, animal welfare experts, transport specialists and sanctuary teams from multiple countries, with animal welfare remaining the highest priority throughout the operation.
Since arriving at LIONSROCK, the big cats are being closely monitored by the sanctuary's dedicated animal care team. Veterinarians and caretakers are observing their behaviour, appetite and mobility while enrichment activities and carefully managed routines support their adjustment to their new environment.
LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary provides a safe, species-appropriate environment where rescued lions and tigers can live free from exploitation and receive expert care for the remainder of their lives. The arrival of these animals highlights the impact of international collaboration in securing a better future for wildlife in need.
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FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. The sustainable campaigns and projects of FOUR PAWS focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects across the globe, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org