EUREKA SPRINGS -- Six African lions have traveled from Canada to their new home in Arkansas, according to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

The lions are survivors of inbreeding, neglect and the closure of a failing roadside zoo, a news release from the nonprofit organization states.

Humane World for Animals Canada facilitated the rescue of the lions, who were found at a closed roadside zoo confined in a small, barren, substandard shed with inadequate enrichment, veterinary care and nutrition and were exhibiting signs of severe stress, according to a separate news release from that organization.

"The story of these lions illustrates the urgent need for government action," said Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of Humane World for Animals Canada. "In Canada, wild and exotic animals in captivity remain tragically under protected. The ongoing need for nongovernmental organizations, 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."

The six lions are:

Mufasa, Scar and Nirvana, which are 3-year-old litter mates

Thor, a 7-year-old rare "white" lion

Two 13-week-old cubs, born unexpectedly to Nirvana while awaiting transport

The animals were initially taken in by Ontario, Canada-based Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, which typically specializes in native Canadian wildlife. When the zoo's closure left the animals in jeopardy, Aspen Valley's team constructed temporary enclosures to keep the lions safe while international Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species permits were secured for relocation, according to the Turpentine Creek release.

"Having the opportunity to temporarily care for these lions was both deeply moving and heartbreaking," said Linda Glimps, executive director of Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. "No wild animal should ever endure the conditions they came from. At Aspen Valley, we gave them safety and dignity for the first time in their lives. Their move to a permanent sanctuary marks a new beginning -- and underscores the urgent need for stronger federal laws in Canada to ensure no animal suffers in captivity again."

Turpentine Creek first assisted in relocating the lions from Toronto to Aspen Valley 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 release states.

Nirvana's cubs brought an unexpected challenge. The original relocation permit only approved the transportation of adult lions, requiring the permit to be amended -- just as the U.S. government experienced a shutdown, according to the release. 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.

"Every rescue is different, but this one truly tested our determination," said Tanya Smith, Turpentine Creek 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."

The Turpentine Creek team loaded the lions for transport Oct. 12, and surprisingly, no sedation was required as each lion calmly entered its travel crate, according to the release. After an overnight journey and border crossing the next morning, the team arrived in Eureka Springs. On Oct. 14, the lions were released into their new habitats.

Thor, a while male lion, had never known a permanent home until now, the release states. Likely because of his unique coloring, he had been shifted from one facility to another throughout his life, according to Turpentine Creek.

"It's incredibly meaningful to finally give Thor -- and all six of these lions -- a place where they belong," said Emily McCormack, Turpentine Creek 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."

Thor is seen in this photo taken at the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Ontario, Canada, earlier this year. The lion is one of several now living at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs. (Submitted Photo/Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge)