6 lions rescued from Quebec roadside zoo relocated to United States

Six lions that were rescued from a roadside zoo in Quebec have been moved to a permanent home in the United States.

The Humane World for Animals Canada says the lions were found “confined in a small, barren, substandard shed with inadequate enrichment, veterinary care, and nutrition, and were exhibiting signs of severe stress.”

Following a rescue operation by Humane World for Animals Canada, the lions were temporarily moved to the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Ontario.

Over the past few months, the lions were cared for at the sanctuary before three were relocated to The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota.

“The lions rescued by The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota are already living happily wild at heart in large free-roaming habitats, including lion cub Mango, who was born during this rescue. This has been our seventh rescue trip to Canada, where we advocate for stricter regulations and more true sanctuaries so wild animals can be properly and humanely cared for there. We are proud to work alongside so many accredited sanctuaries and reputable organizations to get these lions to a permanent sanctuary,” said Tammy Thies, the executive director of The Wildcat Sanctuary.

More recently, the other three lions were relocated to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas.

“We at Turpentine Creek are pleased to welcome the lions from Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. They will be moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and enjoy a good life at a true sanctuary. We are grateful to all who help during this noble endeavour. It’s been a hugely complex operation, but we made it together. The lions are safe,” said Tanya Smith, the executive director of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

The rescue effort comes as Humane World for Animals Canada calls to reform Canada’s wildlife laws, including a federal ban on the captivity of non-domestic big cats, elephants and great apes for entertainment.

“The story of these lions illustrates the urgent need for government action. In Canada, wild and exotic animals in captivity remain tragically underprotected. The ongoing need for non-governmental organizations, including Humane World for Animals, to rescue the victims of roadside zoos highlights a glaring gap in federal policy,” said Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of Humane World for Animals Canada.

“Without meaningful legislation, unethical facilities will continue to profit from animal suffering. Canada now has a clear opportunity to bring federal animal welfare laws in line with public values—and to establish itself as a global leader in protecting captive wildlife.”