Ontario animal sanctuary staff bid a heartfelt goodbye to 10 big, furry cats after caring for them since May.
"With full hearts, we say farewell to 10 incredible lions," Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary wrote in an Instagram post Oct. 20.
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A post shared by Aspen Valley (@aspenvalleywildlifesanctuary)
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Since May, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau, Ont., located west of Huntsville, was providing temporary sanctuary and care to the African lions, all rescued from a roadside zoo in Quebec.
The sanctuary works to offer rescue, rehabilitation and release to Ontario wildlife.
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"Weeks ago, three of these magnificent cats began their new lives at The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota, and just this past weekend, the remaining lions made their journey to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas -- their forever home," the agency said.
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The sanctuary explained caring for the creatures was a privilege for staff.
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"The work was demanding, but every moment spent with them was filled with purpose, compassion, and awe. We would do it all over again in a heartbeat."
The rescue was done in collaboration with Humane World for Animals Canada (formerly Humane Society International/Canada).
The incident shows the urgent need for stronger wildlife protection laws in Canada, including a federal ban on keeping big cats, elephants and great apes in captivity for entertainment, the sanctuary said.
"That's incredible! 100 per cent agree, we need those protection laws. It is incredibly sad to see wild animals in captivity for 'entertainment,'" Nancy Raitt said on the Instagram post.
"They are so beautiful. I hope they have plenty of space to roam wherever they are going and be as wild as they can be. I've cried each time I see these posts. They were top of the food chain before humans created weapons. And were never meant to be at a zoo. None of them are. Thank you for your care and may they remain wild at heart," forest.grace wrote on Instagram.
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"We wish these lions peace and safety in their new homes -- and will carry their roars in our hearts always," Aspen Valley said in its post.
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