Two lions who were rescued from circuses in Peru last November are getting medical and dental care after years of maltreatment and life in appalling conditions. Most of 17-year-old King’s teeth had been pulled by the owners of the circus. The fangs of 7-year-old Simba had been broken and his claws removed.

The two lions are among the 21 big cats rescued by Animal Defenders International (ADI), who are being taken to a permanent new home in the Wild Animal Sanctuary near Denver, Colo. Peru and Columbia passed bans on circus animals in 2011, but implementation has been slow.

ADI investigates animal abuse in shows that they suspect of subpar conditions or cruelty, then push for regulatory change after publishing their findings. They have achieved national bans on circus use of certain types of wild animals in 27 countries, and local bans in 10 others. During ADI’s rescue operation in Peru, authorities raided circuses, seized animals and took them to temporary holding facilities.

None of the rescued lions can be released to the wild. Their claws have been removed, making it impossible for them to catch prey. Many have broken teeth from being smashed in the face to “discipline” them, or have had their teeth pulled. Eva Chomba, an ADI veterinarian from Peru said this extremely painful practice is common in circuses, and is typically done without anesthesia by people who are not veterinarians.

Because most of King’s teeth had been pulled he was unable to chew properly.  He also had undergone previous oral surgery that had left a small hole between his nose and mouth that had become badly infected. King will require several more surgeries.

ADI reports that they have lost count of how many animals they have rescued over the past 20 years, including lions, tigers, monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons, cats, dogs and horses. The Wild Animal Sanctuary near Denver is a 720-acre refuge for more than 350 large carnivores rescued from inhumane conditions. Visitors observe the animals from elevated walkways and observation decks.