Tigers Will Finally Experience Freedom 15 Years After A Traveling Circus Abandoned Them
Tigers Will Finally Experience Freedom 15 Years After A Traveling Circus Abandoned Them
The tigers were housed in a specially designed teach carriage for six months, and a local farmer in San Luis was asked to provide care for them by a visiting circus in 2007. The teach carriage is moved to the farmer’s land and situated there.
The circus, on the other hand, did not return, leaving the farmer to care for and look after the two enormous cats—a male and a female who are now 18 and 15 years old, respectively.
A mating relationship was eventually established between the male and female, who gave birth to two cubs, bringing the total number of tigers living in the train carriage up to four. Braun estimated that the cubs, both of whom are males, are 10 and 12 years old, respectively.
Due to the fact that it is illegal in Argentina to keep wild animals in private, the farmer failed to inform the authorities immediately when he became aware that he had acquired the large cats. Over the years, he attempted to provide the best care possible to them to the best of his ability.
The situation was brought to the attention of the Argentine authorities in 2021, and they immediately began looking for a solution. When Four Paws learned of the situation, the non-profit organization offered to assist the authorities in rescuing and relocating the tigers. They arrived at LIONSROCK on March 12 after a 70-hour journey, and are now settling into their new home.
Sandro, Mafalda, Gustavo, and Messi are the names of the four tigers.
Four Paws veterinarian Amir Khalil, who led the rescue mission, said in a statement, “These tigers have never felt grass or earth under their paws. It’s the first time they can see the sky above them, not just metal bars and a roof. Now they have hundreds of square meters full of new feelings, tastes, and smells.
It is overwhelming for them to be in a completely new environment but animals are quick at adapting to better living conditions. ”
Khalil added, “They were already curious, exploring their temporary adaption enclosures and making careful first steps on the so far unfamiliar ground. I am proud that we have brought all four tigers safely to South Africa. Now the mission is complete and I am handing them over into the care of my colleagues at LIONSROCK.”
In the coming days and weeks, officials at LIONSROCK will keep a close eye on the tigers to determine whether or not they require veterinary treatment. Four Paws Animal Sanctuary is home to more than 100 animals, the majority of which are large cats rescued by the organization. It provides a species-appropriate, lifelong home for mistreated animals who are unable to be released back into the wild due to their injuries or illnesses.
Hildegard Pirker, who manages the sanctuary, said, “The road to rehabilitation for these animals now begins.”
Just a little more than a century ago, there were 100,000 wild tigers roaming throughout Asia. Today, fewer than 3,900 people live in the historic range, which is only 4 percent of their total population. The world’s largest tiger population can now be found in India, which is home to half of the world’s remaining wild tigers. A significant portion of this decline has occurred within the last decade.
