By Road, By Air, and By Sea – The Long Journey Home for These Lions Three

We are often moved, entertained, and emotionally invested in stories of triumph and tragedy involving our domesticated feline friends. In this case, however, it is their giant ancestors – the king of the beasts – that is taking a starring role. Three of them, to be exact.

On January 15, 2026, three African lions – Cyrus, Zephora, and Juancito – placed their tentative paws onto the ground of what will hopefully be their forever home. Following years of coordinated efforts among conservation leaders, veterinary professionals, and accredited sanctuaries, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and rescue operation protecting survivors of the exotic animal trade, welcomed the lions to the spacious habitats designed specifically to meet their long-term needs.

This is the first international relocation of large felines from Honduras, with eight big cats in total finding homes in permanent US sanctuaries. Five tigers were transferred to Carolina Tiger Rescue, while the remarkable journey of Cyrus, Zephora, and Juancito spanned multiple countries and modes of transport, travelling by ship, by air, and finally reaching their destination by way of American highways, all while adhering to strict international and US regulations.

The lions had been kept for years at Little French Key Resort in Honduras as attractions for visiting tourists, in enclosures unsuitable for the complex needs of these apex predators. In collaboration with the resort leadership, these magnificent creatures have been removed from the spectacle of display and are now adjusting to their new home, a spacious, species-appropriate habitat designed specifically to meet their physical, behavioral, and psychological needs. The TCWR prides itself on creating custom environments that provide rescued big cats with the dignity, expert care, and lifelong protection they deserve.

“This mission represents everything sanctuary work stands for – international cooperation, compassion in action, and a future where rescued animals are given the lives they deserve,” said Scott Smith, TCWR vice president, who participated in the rescue. “After an unbelievable journey, these lions are finally home.”

Of course, such an epic journey is far more complicated than simply sedating and relocating the lions; this is a complex undertaking with many moving parts that has been years in the making, which would not have been possible without the leadership and long-term commitment of Leo Lahijani of Little French Key Resort, whose dedication to securing a better future for the animals in his care has been instrumental in moving the initiative forward.

“This rescue has been years in the making, driven by a deep responsibility to secure the best possible future for these animals,” said Leo. “From the beginning, our focus was on improving outcomes and finding partners with the experience and integrity to provide lifelong care. Working alongside Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and Carolina Tiger Rescue made it possible to move forward with confidence, knowing the lions and tigers would be placed in sanctuaries where their well-being, dignity, and long-term care come first.”

Environmental officials in Honduras feel that the relocation project is a national milestone, setting a precedent for responsible wildlife management and reinforcing the country’s commitment to conservation and the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

For Cyrus, Zephora, and Juancito, the result is simple but profound: safety, space, and a lifetime of care at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

 About Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Founded in 1992, the 459-acre Refuge, located 7 miles south of Eureka Springs, is an ethical animal tourism destination accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). They are members of the American Association of Zoo Keepers and licensed by the USDA and the Arkansas Game and Fish. Their mission is to rescue and provide a lifetime sanctuary for captive wild animals. Since its inception, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has rescued and provided sanctuary, and assisted other accredited sanctuaries and zoos in rescuing and transporting over 500 animals. For more information, visit tcwr.org.

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