Lions, tigers, and brown bears that remained inside the former Luján Zoo near Buenos Aires received urgent medical attention this week after spending years in small and unsafe enclosures. The zoo closed in 2020 because of safety concerns, and the surviving animals stayed in the area with limited food and no regular veterinary care. A recent assessment from Four Paws, an international animal welfare group, reported that more than half of the big cats had already died due to sickness, injuries, and stress from overcrowded cages. The group explained that some lions and tigers lived in extremely restricted spaces, while others were kept together in mixed groups that would never appear in nature. The situation became a major concern for officials, leading to an agreement earlier this year that allowed Four Paws to take responsibility for the remaining animals and prepare them for transfer to sanctuaries abroad. The organization described the conditions as deplorable, and experts called the rescue effort monumental because of the number of animals and the level of damage observed.

Veterinarians entered the site to evaluate each animal and provide treatments such as antibiotics, nutrients, and pain medicine. Several animals needed emergency surgery for wounds, infections, and dental problems caused by biting cage bars. Four Paws stated that the mission required a methodical plan to manage sedation, transport, and medical care. Specialists said the rescue showed the gravity of keeping wild animals in small, artificial environments for long periods. Authorities shared that the long-term plan aims to transport the animals to large sanctuaries where they can live in open areas similar to natural habitats. The organization added that the operation represented a transformative step for improving wildlife protection in Argentina.