The two bears and a tigress that remained on the grounds of the former Luján Zoo were finally transferred to specialized sanctuaries in Europe. The operation was coordinated by the organization Four Paws International along with the local municipality.
The transfers were completed during the last week and represent a significant advance in the process of rescuing the animals that remained in the establishment. The site had been closed years ago due to reports of animal abuse.
Additionally, the transfer is part of an international protection program and rehabilitation of wildlife. The initiative seeks for the animals to regain natural behaviors in spacious areas adapted to their biological needs.
Rescued bears travel to a natural sanctuary in Europe
The bears Gordo and Florencia arrived in Europe on February 25 after a long air journey. After landing, they were transferred from Sofia to the Belitsa sanctuary in Bulgaria, where their adaptation process began.
During the transfer, both animals remained awake and it was not necessary to sedate them. This allowed the journey to be carried out with less stress and with constant monitoring by animal welfare specialists.
Once settled in the sanctuary, the bears were released into a protected and controlled area. There they will remain under supervision while they gradually adapt to an environment closer to their natural habitat.
The goal of the specialists is to reverse, as much as possible, the habits acquired during years of captivity. Therefore, the process includes daily observation and stimuli to encourage behaviors typical of the species.
The tigress Flora begins a new life in a big cat sanctuary
In parallel, the tigress Flora was transported by plane to the Netherlands. After landing at Schiphol airport, she was received by the team from the sanctuary that will permanently house her.
The transfer was also carried out without anesthesia and with constant veterinary monitoring. The tigress was considered a priority case due to problems with her claws that affected her mobility.
Upon arriving at the adaptation facility, Flora quickly began to explore her new environment. Within minutes, she moved around the space, interacted with natural structures, and accepted food offered by her caregivers.
These initial behaviors were considered positive by the sanctuary team, which will continue to assess her health and her adaptation to the new habitat.
The closure of the Luján Zoo and the fate of the animals
The former Luján Zoo was closed in September 2020 after multiple reports of animal abuse. Subsequently, the site ceased operations permanently during the pandemic.
In the following years, some caretakers remained on site attempting to feed the animals that still inhabited the establishment. Donations from fields near Luján were used for this purpose.
Despite the rescues carried out, around 60 specimens of felines and other species such as dromedaries, zebras, monkeys, and a chimpanzee still remain on the premises. Environmental organizations maintain that the ultimate goal is to progressively relocate all animals to sanctuaries or conservation centers.
The transfer of the bears and the tigress marks an important step in that process. Additionally, it reinforces the global debate about the role of zoos and the need to move towards more ethical and sustainable conservation models for wildlife.
