The story of Flora, a tigress who spent years confined in overcrowded conditions at the former Luján Zoo, has become a symbol of animal suffering and the hope for a new life.
After surviving a physical and emotional ordeal, Flora will be transferred to a specialized sanctuary in Europe, where she will receive the medical care and environment she needs.
Flora’s Ordeal
Locked in a tiny cage, surrounded by larger lions and tigers, Flora lived with no possibility of hiding or escaping. That image of the tigress curled up among roars and shadows reflects the impact of prolonged captivity.
Her body also told the story:
- Stunted growth: “She is very small in size, like a bonsai tiger,” explained Luciana D’Abramo, global head of Four Paws International in a conversation with Gente.
- Mobility issues: not walking enough, she developed ingrown claws that became embedded in the bone.
- Constant pain: she could barely stand and suffered from severe dental problems.
Urgent Medical Interventions
Flora was one of the first tigresses treated by the Four Paws team. Veterinarian Amir Khalil, leader of the emergency mission in Luján, recounted:
“This tigress was suffering from a particularly painful condition: a claw had repeatedly grown inward. We removed the splintered fragments from her infected paw and surgically corrected the nail bed to allow proper growth. Seeing how her behavior changed after relieving that pain is exactly why we do this work.”
Although the surgery improved her condition, Flora will need periodic operations every six months to prevent the claws from becoming ingrown again. Therefore, she requires a place where she can be closely monitored.
The Future of Flora and Other Felines
Flora is on the list of the first animals to leave Luján, along with the bears Gordo and Florencia. The transfer is expected before the end of 2025 or early 2026.
The likely destination is the Four Paws sanctuary in the Netherlands, although other spaces with international animal welfare standards are also being considered.
Following her, the 62 large felines that still remain on the premises will depart: 32 lions and 30 tigers, victims of years of captivity in a zoo that closed in 2020 after reports of irregularities and lack of care.
A Global Mission
The goal is clear: all the felines will be relocated. Some will reach Four Paws’ own sanctuaries, like Lionsrock in South Africa, and others to centers associated with the same protection standards.
To achieve this, 15 specialists are working globally on logistics, legal procedures, and international coordination.
In July 2025, Four Paws signed a macro agreement with Argentine authorities to seek joint solutions regarding exotic big cats in captivity. The objective is to change legislation, improve controls, and ensure this is the last generation of animals to suffer in exploitative conditions.
Flora’s story is a reminder of the impact of captivity on wild animals and the importance of international action to ensure their well-being. Her transfer to a sanctuary will mark the beginning of a new chapter, not only for her but for all the large felines of the former Luján Zoo.
