Working from a temporary field unit under challenging conditions, the team addressed urgent health issues, including infections of tails and eyes, ingrown nails, open wounds, kidney disease and dental problems. Several animals had previously been declawed and required treatment for deformed paws. In some cases, the FOUR PAWS veterinarians discovered spinal deformities that had led to neurological problems. Two lions even required partial tail amputations due to severe infections, says the organisation.

"We found health issues in most of the animals we examined, many of which can be directly linked to inadequate keeping conditions and poor nutrition. One tigress suffered from a particularly painful condition: a claw that had repeatedly grown inward. We removed splintered pieces from her infected paw and surgically corrected the claw bed to allow proper regrowth. Witnessing the change in her behaviour after relieving that pain is exactly why we do what we do," says veterinarian Dr Amir Khalil, who leads the FOUR PAWS emergency mission at the former Zoo Luján, adds the organiation.

Because of the crowded enclosures, the team had to plan operations meticulously and, on multiple occasions, worked in two teams to treat two sedated animals simultaneously. Beyond medical care, FOUR PAWS also improved the animals' keeping conditions by repairing enclosures, separating and regrouping animals, and introducing species-appropriate diets, says the organisation.

"Thanks to our team's tireless efforts and the great collaboration with the Argentine authorities, we can now take the next steps to secure a better future for these animals. Plans are already underway to relocate the two bears, Gordo and Florencia, to our BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa in Bulgaria. There they will finally receive the space, enrichment, and care they need for their mental and physical recovery. We are also working on plans for the big cats. Some of them urgently need further medical intervention. The current conditions on site are absolutely unsuitable for this," says Luciana D'Abramo, Chief Programme Officer at FOUR PAWS. 

The veterinary assessment, launched on Thursday, 23 October, is the largest of its kind ever carried out in Latin America within such a short timeframe. Easing the animal welfare emergency at the former Zoo Luján is the first step in implementing a Memorandum of Understanding between FOUR PAWS and the Argentine government, which aims to end private keeping and commercial trade of big cats in the country, concludes the organisation.

For more information, visit www.four-paws.org.za.

*Image courtesy of contributor