Lions abandoned on a roadside in Quebec were transported to a sanctuary in Arkansas.

The six wild felines had been found confined in a small, barren shed at a closed roadside zoo, suffering from poor nutrition, lack of veterinary care, and signs of severe stress.

They were temporarily housed at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Ontario before being moved to their new permanent home at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

The operation was carried out through collaboration between Humane World for Animals Canada, formerly the Humane Society International of Canada, and several sanctuaries.

Authorities said the rescue required extensive coordination and resources, highlighting the urgent need for national reform of Canada's wildlife laws, including a federal ban on the captivity of big cats, elephants, and great apes for entertainment.

This rescue follows Canada's largest zoo animal seizure in 2019, when over 200 wild and exotic animals were removed from a roadside zoo in St-Edouard-de-Maskinonge by Humane World for Animals Canada and the Montreal SPCA.

Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of Humane World for Animals Canada, said the lions' story 'illustrates the urgent need for government action', noting that Canada's captive wildlife remains tragically underprotected.

She added: 'The ongoing need for non-governmental organisations, including Humane World for Animals, to rescue the victims of roadside zoos highlights a glaring gap in federal policy.

'Without meaningful legislation, unethical facilities will continue to profit from animal suffering. Canada now has a clear opportunity to bring federal animal welfare laws in line with public values - and to establish itself as a global leader in protecting captive wildlife.'

At Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, three new enclosures were built to house the lions temporarily. Weeks earlier, three of the rescued animals were transferred to The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota. The remaining lions will now live permanently at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Tanya Smith of Turpentine Creek said: 'We are pleased to welcome the lions from Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. They will enjoy a good life at a true sanctuary.'

Humane World for Animals Canada is now urging the federal government to revive legislation banning the captivity of big cats, elephants, and great apes following the lapse of Bill S-15 after the recent election.