Rescued Lions From Bolivia Arrive In Colorado

DENVER (CBS4) -- Twenty-five lions, most of them rescued from Bolivian circuses, arrived in Colorado on Wednesday to start their new lives at a wildlife sanctuary.

The 13 males and 12 females landed at Denver International Airport Wednesday afternoon. Operation Lion Ark is sponsored by Animal Defenders International. ADI has support from celebrities like former Price Is Right games show host Bob Barker and CSI actress Jorja Fox.

Barker was on hand to welcome the lions. Fox was also there. She said the lions were rescued from deplorable conditions.

"There were 8 lions living in the back of a flatbed truck, living in about the space of two double beds," said Fox.

ADI conducted a 2-year undercover investigation into the treatment of lions.

"When confronted with the evidence of mistreatment, Bolivia, almost immediately, decided to put a ban on traveling circuses," said Fox.

All of the lions were born in captivity. They were seized from 8 circuses in Bolivia after a change in the law.

Bolivia is the first country to forbid any animals to be used in circus performances.

"ADI pledged we will look after every circus animal in the country. We won't support this law and then leave you guys hanging to pick up the pieces," said Fox. "This is the last shipment. Bolivia no longer has captive lions in their country."

While three cubs are in one cage with their mother, the rest are traveling in their own cages, accompanied by a veterinarian. Before leaving Santa Cruz, Bolivia, they were given sleep medication.

After their flight, the lions will be trucked to their new home at the Wildlife Sanctuary in Keenesburg, about 35 miles northeast of Denver. A 15,000-square-foot biosphere was built to help them adjust to the chillier climate.

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