In an extraordinary act of cross-border collaboration, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs has welcomed six African lions from Ontario, Canada — marking another monumental rescue for the nationally recognized big cat sanctuary.

This effort united Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota, and Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Ontario, alongside Humane World for Animals, in a shared mission to give nine African lions a second chance at life.

The lions — survivors of inbreeding, neglect, and the closure of a failing roadside zoo — were initially taken in by Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, which typically specializes in native Canadian wildlife, according to a release from TCWR.

“When the zoo’s closure left the animals in jeopardy, Aspen Valley’s team swiftly constructed temporary enclosures to keep the lions safe while international Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species permits were secured for relocation,” the release states.

TWO-PART RESCUE MISSION

Turpentine Creek first assisted in relocating the lions from Toronto to Aspen Valley in Ontario earlier this year, while working through months of complex logistics, negotiations, and international paperwork to bring six of the lions to their permanent home in Arkansas.

The six lions now thriving at Turpentine Creek are:

• Mufasa, Scar, and Nirvana — 3-year-old littermates; • Thor, a 7-year-old rare “white” lion;

• Archie and Reggie, two 13-week-old cubs born unexpectedly to Nirvana while awaiting transport “Nirvana’s cubs brought an unexpected challenge,” Turpentine’s release states. “The original CITES permit only approved the transport of adult lions, requiring the permit to be amended — just as the U.S. government experienced a shutdown.”

The cubs also had to reach at least eight weeks of age before making the international journey, delaying the rescue while winter weather loomed in Canada, Turpentine reported.

“Every rescue is different, but this one truly tested our determination,” said Tanya Smith, TCWR president and founder. “Our team was relentless. We had to coordinate across borders, deal with permit delays, and beat the Canadian winter — all while ensuring these lions were safe, healthy, and ready for the journey.

“Seeing them now, relaxed and exploring their new habitats, makes every mile worth it.”

JOURNEY TO SAFETY

On Sunday, Oct. 19, the Turpentine Creek team loaded the six lions for transport.

“Remarkably, no sedation was required — each lion calmly entered its travel crate,” according to TCWR. “After an overnight journey and a carefully timed border crossing on Monday morning, the team arrived in Eureka Springs. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the lions were safely released into their new spacious habitats.”

Turpentine Creek streamed the unloading live on Facebook, where thousands “watched history unfold.”

“Among them is Thor, a striking while male lion who, until now, had never known a permanent home,” according to Turpentine’s release. “Likely because of his unique coloring, he had been shifted from one facility to another throughout his life.”

“It’s incredibly meaningful to finally give Thor — and all six of these lions — a place where they belong,” said Emily McCormack, TCWR animal curator. “This is Thor’s first real home, one he can depend on for the rest of his life. Watching him relax in the grass and roar under the Arkansas sky reminds us exactly why we do what we do.”

Since their arrival in Eureka Springs, the lions have settled in beautifully and can now be visited at the refuge.

“Visitors may even catch a glimpse of Nirvana’s cubs tumbling and playing before they grow into the majestic lions they’re destined to become,” the release