# Luján Zoo big cat relocation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lujn-zoo-big-cat-relocation
> Updated: 2026-08-20T23:45:46.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 3.

The animal welfare organization Four Paws has initiated an international operation to relocate 30 lions and tigers from the former Luján Zoo in Argentina to wildlife sanctuaries in the United States and South Africa.

The Luján Zoo was closed in 2020 following reports of irregularities and poor welfare conditions. Many animals had spent years in cramped concrete enclosures, arriving at the relocation site with various health issues, including malnutrition, obesity, dental disease, and kidney problems.

The relocation involves splitting the animals between two primary destinations: The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, USA, and the Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. To maintain stability, specialists are moving family groups and lifelong companions together. The process requires intensive veterinary preparation, with some animals using specialized training to enter crates while others require sedation for transport.

As of August 2026, the relocation of the thirty big cats has been completed. The animals were divided into two groups of 15, with one group arriving at the Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa and the second group arriving at The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado. In Colorado, the felids have been placed in enclosures ranging from 1,450 to 10,000 hectares. This move marks the start of a gradual rehabilitation process intended to help the animals adapt to their new environments, recover natural behaviors, and eventually interact with other big cats in large, open-air habitats.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Thirty big cats relocated from Argentine zoo to international sanctuaries

Thirty lions and tigers from the former Luján Zoo in Argentina have been relocated to sanctuaries in South Africa and the United States for rehabilitation and adaptation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thirty-big-cats-relocated-from-argentine-zoo-to-international-sanctuaries

### 2026-08-18: Lions and tigers begin relocation from Argentina to US and South Africa

Thirty lions and tigers are being relocated from Argentina's former Luján Zoo to sanctuaries in South Africa and Colorado as part of a major international animal welfare mission.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lions-and-tigers-begin-relocation-from-argentina-to-us-and-south-africa

### 2026-08-14: Luján Zoo big cats begin relocation to US and South African sanctuaries

Four Paws is relocating 30 lions and tigers from Argentina's closed Luján Zoo to wildlife sanctuaries in the United States and South Africa to improve their living conditions.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lujan-zoo-big-cats-begin-relocation-to-international-sanctuaries

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Cite as: Luján Zoo big cat relocation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lujn-zoo-big-cat-relocation