"Operation Lion Ark" Comes to Colorado

Keenesburg, Colorado, February 18, 2011 - There's hope for 25 lions this morning that arrived in Colorado a few days ago. These lions came from Bolivia where they were kept in metal or wooden crates to work as circus animals.

As I watched the news story on "Operation Lion Ark", the lions appeared a bit mangy and thin, however, many were playing together and some were lounging belly up in their new quarters. These are all good signs that the lions are adjusting rather quickly to their new home in Colorado.

The Bolivian government recently passed a law banning the ownership of circus animals. As a result, these 25 lions had to find new homes. Most of them were living in terrible conditions such as a crate in the back of a pick-up truck.

Today, these lions are waking up to a new home that's in a heated enclosure so that the lions can acclimate to Colorado weather. There are two videos that you can see by clicking on "Operation Lion Ark", where you will see the lions playing, sleeping comfortably, and just being able to stretch out and move around. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is located about 30 miles northeast of Denver.

"Operation Lion Ark" was made possible by the Wild Animal Sanctuary, Animal Defenders, International, and Bob Barker. With the help of these entities, the lions are walking on grass for the first time and able to relate to one another.

9News reports that Bob Barker is in town and going to visit the animals today. Through his generous donation, the Wild Animal Sanctuary built a 15,000 sq. ft. heated building to house the lions when they arrived in Colorado. Barker also provided enough funds to help with the transport of these lions from Bolivia to Colorado. Eventually, the lions will be moved onto the 80 acre sanctuary to roam free and do what lions do naturally.

Pat Craig, the Executive Director for the Wild Animal Sanctuary, states that these lions face many years of rehabilitation. Some lions have medical issues while others have genetic issues. If you watch the videos, you'll meet Caspian, a 7 year old male with stunted growth as a result of being in a crate. He has basically no mane and his legs and feet are deformed. Through rehabilitation, Caspian will now learn how to use his limbs and some growth may develop for this poor boy.

A heartwarming story and a happy beginning for 25 lions who now call Colorado home.

Source: Denver's 9News