Canada Rescue

For months, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge worked quietly behind the scenes to prepare for one of the most complex rescues in our history. Beginning in winter 2024, our team coordinated with international partners and government agencies, hoping the opportunity would come to help lions in need.

In May 2025, that call arrived.

Humane World Canada had seized seven African lions from a closed roadside facility in Quebec, a place long plagued by neglect and inbreeding. To facilitate their rescue before the next winter and in consideration of  limited sanctuary resources available for exotic captive wild animals in Canada, an international partnership quickly formed. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge joined forces with Humane World Canada, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Ontario, and The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota to give these lions a second chance at life.

Phase I: A Safe Place to Wait

The first step was moving the lions to safety. Turpentine Creek’s team helped transport all seven lions more than 455 miles across Canada to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Though Aspen Valley typically specializes in native Canadian wildlife, their team built temporary enclosures so the lions could stay safe while international permits were processed.

Shortly after arriving, one lioness—Nirvana—was transferred to the Toronto Zoo when it became clear she was pregnant. Following the heartbreaking loss of another pregnant lioness from the original facility, every precaution was taken to ensure Nirvana and her cubs received the best possible care.

Phase II: A Journey to Forever Homes

Months of permits, planning, and coordination followed. In October 2025, Turpentine Creek’s rescue team completed the final leg of the journey, transporting Scar, Mufasa, Thor, Nirvana, and her two cubs nearly 1,500 miles to Arkansas.

Today, the lions are thriving in spacious habitats at the Refuge.

Scar and Mufasa remain inseparable brothers, often lounging side by side or tumbling down their hillside together. Thor, a striking white lion who had been moved from facility to facility for much of his life, is finally experiencing the stability of a permanent home. And Nirvana—calm, attentive, and resilient—can often be seen guiding her cubs Archie and Reggie as they explore their world with curiosity and playful energy.

Thanks to the dedication of multiple sanctuaries across two countries, this pride now has what every rescued animal deserves: safety, dignity, and lifelong care.