Keenesburg, Colorado - Eleven exotic animals including African lions and other large carnivores were transferred from Mexico to a large natural habitat in Colorado after the animals were confiscated from illegal or abusive situations.

The animals recently made the 1,700 mile journey to the Centennial State where they will be rehabilitated and allowed to live the rest of their lives at The Wild Animal Sanctuary.

Working in cooperation with a Mexican organization known as Bioparque Convivencia Pachuca, The Wild Animal Sanctuary began planning the rescue in late 2013. All eleven animals were rescued and sent to Bioparque's newly-renovated Captive Wildlife Way Station located approximately 150 miles northeast of Mexico City.

Once all the animals were at the single location, The Wild Animal Sanctuary coordinated with the US and Mexican Wildlife Authorities and the Way Station to transfer the animals to the Sanctuary's 720 acre facility in Colorado.

To date, the Colorado non-profit organization has rescued over 30 exotic animals from various places within Mexico, and has plans to return in early 2015 to retrieve a number of rescued tigers.

About The Wild Animal Sanctuary:

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a 720 acre refuge for large carnivores that have been confiscated from illegal or abusive situations. The Sanctuary is located 30 miles northeast of Denver, Colorado near the town of Keenesburg. The non-profit organization currently cares for more than 350 lions, tigers, bears, wolves and other large carnivores, providing lifelong care for its rescued animals.

The Sanctuary is the oldest and largest carnivore sanctuary in existence, having been in operation since 1980. The facility is distinctive among others in that it provides large acreage natural habitats for its rescued animals to live in and roam freely. The sanctuary is open daily to the public for educational purposes and features an elevated "Mile Into The Wild" walkway that visitors utilize to see the animals living in their habitats.