Tigers Rescued From Illegal Captivity In Slovakia Arrive Safely At FOUR PAWS’ Sanctuary In South Africa

Photos By: FOUR PAWS | WALDO SWIEGERS

Global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS has successfully transferred two tiger cubs, Snow and Sky, to its renowned LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. The one-year-old female cubs were rescued from illegal private ownership in Slovakia and have embarked on a remarkable journey of over 13,000 kilometers to find their new forever home.

In mid-April, Snow and Sky, along with their male sibling, were confiscated by local authorities due to the inhumane conditions of their illegal captivity. After being temporarily housed at Zoo Bojnice, the cubs awaited the opportunity to be relocated to a more suitable environment at LIONSROCK, where they could thrive in a space designed for their needs.

This transfer underscores a critical message: big cats should never be kept as pets. The plight of these cubs is a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding the illegal keeping, breeding, and trade of wild animals. FOUR PAWS is calling for comprehensive regulations to end the inhumane treatment of big cats, highlighting that current laws are still insufficient in many European countries and around the globe.

“The sad fate of Snow and Sky has a happy ending today. It is a great joy for FOUR PAWS to welcome the two tiger cubs to LIONSROCK. In their new forever home, they can roam their natural surroundings and enjoy a new sense of life. We must not forget that many big cats suffer in private keeping like Snow and Sky did. The protection of wild animals has been close to our hearts at FOUR PAWS since the very beginning. We are striving to find sustainable solutions and working with our global network towards properly and strongly implemented and enforced legislation for big cats, along with protecting the animals we rescue for the rest of their lives,” said Josef Pfabigan, CEO and President of FOUR PAWS.

“Cruel private keeping can have a permanent negative impact on big cats. They are often sick, malnourished, locked up in inappropriate cages, abused as pets, or for entertainment, and killed for their fur and body parts. These two tiger cubs have been deprived of the care of their mother since a very young age. At LIONSROCK, Snow and Sky have a bright future ahead of them. It is amazing to watch them explore their outer enclosure and see that they are already starting to recover from their past,” said Patricia Tiplea, Head of Wild Animal Rescue and Advocacy at FOUR PAWS.

Tragically, the third cub was found dead in his zoo enclosure earlier this June, having succumbed to fatal injuries. The distressing conditions the cubs endured during their previous private keeping may have contributed to this tragic incident.

Contrary to the common misconception that white tigers constitute a distinct species, their unique coloration results from a rare and recessive gene. This genetic trait is not only unusual but also amplifies the commercial value of these majestic animals, making them highly sought after in the exotic pet trade and entertainment industries.

Unfortunately, the demand for white tigers has led some breeders to engage in inbreeding practices, significantly increasing the likelihood of severe health issues. These practices result in a range of serious problems, leading to a lifetime of suffering for many of these beautiful creatures. The exploitation of white tigers for profit raises ethical concerns and highlights the urgent need for more responsible breeding practices and conservation efforts to protect the health and well-being of all big cats.

In Slovakia, where the cubs were illegally bred, legislation prohibits the keeping, breeding, and trade of big cats by private owners, however, it is still widely permitted in Europe. According to CITES’ (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) data from 1975-2018, several European countries are ranked among the top 30 global exporters and importers of tigers. To put an end to the commercial trade of captive tigers and their body parts, FOUR PAWS calls on all EU Member States to implement the 2023 EU Tiger Guidance and introduce a ‘positive list’ of species that can be legally kept as pets. FOUR PAWS is also asking supporters to sign a petition to end the ruthless trade of tigers.

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary is one of the 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects established by FOUR PAWS worldwide. It is currently home to over 100 rescued big cats, including lions, tigers, and leopards. The wild animals were rescued from private keeping, circuses, zoos, and conflict zones all across the globe. The sanctuary encompasses a total area of 1,250 hectares. The land is also home to other native South African species that live freely, like zebras and antelopes, as well as a wide variety of bird species that have found refuge on the property.

The story of Snow and Sky exemplifies the urgent need for better protections for wildlife and advocates for a world in which these magnificent creatures can live freely, away from the dangers of the illegal pet trade. FOUR PAWS remains steadfast in its mission to combat the exploitation of big cats and to promote their conservation in the wild.