Breaking! Two Patagonian Pumas Rescued From A Deserted Zoo In Argentina

Early Wednesday morning, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) and Forest Animal Rescue (FAR) Sanctuary welcomed two Patagonian pumas at Miami International Airport.

While IFAW does not actively participate in zoo closures at this time, the organization believed it was important to honor the commitment it made two years ago with its partners to ensure the cats receive quality lifetime care in Forest Animal Rescue Sanctuary.

The pumas were among the many victims left behind in barren cages when a zoo in Rawson, Argentina closed due to lack of funding and public pressure in 2015.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary coordinated with the government, which was instrumental in the process of acquiring the necessary permits and paperwork, while IFAW managed the transit logistics and Forest Animal Rescue held space at their sanctuary to house the animals.

“We are excited at the opportunity to bring these pumas to Forest Animal Rescue. We are committed to ensuring that wildlife everywhere has the best chance possible to live out their lives as wild as possible given their circumstances. Given the age and history of these cats, that means a lifetime of care in a true sanctuary – one that doesn’t buy, sell or breed animals.” said Meredith Whitney, IFAW’s Wildlife Rescue Program Officer. “Our success today highlights the importance our partnerships. IFAW works with experts throughout the global animal welfare community to ensure captive wildlife is provided every opportunity to live in peace and comfort.”

Two groups in Argentina also assisted with ensuring the cats received adequate care after the zoo closed and worked with The Wild Animal Sanctuary and the government to get the paperwork issued.

IFAW has a long-standing history of helping big cats in distress find homes at sanctuaries that truly care for their well-being.

IFAW’s Wildlife Rescue team is partnering to organize The Big Cat Sanctuary Conference, September 8th-9th, 2017. The goal of the conference is to increase capacity and promote best practices within the sanctuary community.

The first big cat conference was hosted by IFAW in 2013 with the vision to increase cooperation and teamwork between big cat sanctuaries in the United States that do not buy, sell or breed animals.

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