Photo from Animal Defenders International
Animal Defenders International (ADI) has rescued six more tigers from suffering in a circus in Guatemala, as the organization continues to help enforce the country’s ban on animal circus acts. ADI has in total removed 21 lions and tigers, only one circus with animals remains.
Adult female tigers Bimbi and Lupe, parents Itsa and Sombra, and their two unnamed cubs, were removed from the circus on Saturday. During the day-long rescue, which ran into the night, the tigers were taken from the scrapyard where they had been living, and transported to ADI’s Temporary Rescue Centre in Guatemala. They join six lions and nine other tigers already rescued by the organization.
Previously, the circus had refused to hand over the six tigers when ADI removed two of the lions and nine other tigers in June. ADI is working with the government’s Animal Welfare Division UBA and wildlife department CONAP to enforce the ban on animals in circuses.
“We vowed to not let these six tigers down, and we kept our word. ADI’s mission is to ensure that no animal will suffer in circuses in Guatemala ever again,” Jan Creamer, President of Animal Defenders International said in a statement. “With the public’s support we can save them all.”
At the ADI Temporary Rescue Centre, the animals have more space than they have ever known. Enrichment such as swinging tires, hay bags filled with catnip, and pools for the tigers to bathe and play in, keep the animals entertained and healthy. Such simple pleasures also help build muscles and improve coordination.
It is expected to take several months to complete the documentation needed to take the animals to their forever homes. For the lions, this will be to the new 450 acre sanctuary ADI is establishing in South Africa, their natural homeland. The first nine tigers rescued by ADI have been offered permanent homes at United States tiger sanctuaries Big Cat Rescue and Tigers for Tomorrow, and ADI is actively seeking permanent homes for the six new tigers.
Following this latest rescue, there is just one circus with animals in Guatemala, reported to have 15 big cats. ADI is raising funds to save the remaining animals, and care for the 21 big cats now in their care.
Donations to ADI can be made HERE.
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