Rescued from illegal captivity, two tiger cubs from Slovakia in Central Europe have found a safe haven at Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, South Africa. Moments before freedom these mighty kitties were being mistreated as pets. Despite their rescue the issue of illegal wildlife trade remains a great challenge for global animal welfare efforts.
A Quick Jailbreak
In Slovakia, two tiger cubs were found in illegal captivity on private property. These one-year-old cubs, Snow and Sky, were being kept as pets. Which is both cruel and illegal if you were wondering. Local authorities intervened in mid-April, rescuing the cubs and temporarily housing them at Zoo Bojnice. Meanwhile, the global animal welfare organization, Four Paws, were working tirelessly to find them a permanent second home.
The Long Journey to South Africa
A long journey is a small price to pay for the promise of a better life. After being rescued, Snow and Sky traveled a 13,000 km journey to their new home in South Africa. The trip was carefully coordinated by Four Paws, a team dedicated to protecting animals in need. The cubs’ transfer to Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, Free State, marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with a safe and natural environment where they can live freely.
Lionsrock For Tigers
Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in the Free State is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of big cats. They provide them with space and attention until they get back the bounce in their step, the eye of the tiger, and the thrill of the fight. Shortly after the sister cubs’ release, Four Paws President and CEO Josef Pfabigan, stated that this is the happy ending they deserve. Despite having been deprived of their mother’s care at a very young age, their survival is a testament to their resilience.
The Tragic Loss of a Brother
Unfortunately, not all of the cubs’ were so lucky. There was a third male sibling, who did not survive long after the rescue. He was found lifeless in his enclosure at the zoo in June, having suffered fatal injuries from his previous poor housing conditions. One has to wonder what cruelty could send such a strong animal to an early grave. Its loss further signifies the urgent need for better animal trade regulations.
The Reality of Private Captivity
In private captivity, wild animals are often subjected to cruel conditions, including malnutrition, insufficient living spaces, and physical abuse. Many are kept as pets or exploited for entertainment. The Head of Wild Animal Rescue and Advocacy, Patricia Tiplea commented on the permanent negative impact private keeping can have on big cats. Like humans, these poor creatures then end up with severe physical and psychological harm that takes years to recover from. Some never recover! It’s a tragic consequence of human greed and ignorance. While Tiger cubs may look like giant kittens, they are wild animals. They are not pets, and should never be treated as such.
The Dangers of Inbreeding in Captive Tigers
Did you know white tigers are not a completely different species? According to the organization, their white fur color is actually the result of a rare and recessive gene which makes these tigers more commercially valuable. Breeders often inbreed these animals to maintain their rare coloration but at the cost of severe health issues.
Feline Rights
Although Slovakia has laws against illegal breeding, housing, and trade of big felines, enforcement is severely lacking. Four Paws is trying to advocate for more stringent laws and better enforcement across Europe and beyond. Several European nations are listed among the top 30 global tiger importers and exporters, according to data from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITE) from 1975 to 2018. That’s why Four Paws suggests the implementation of the 2023 EU Tiger Guidance, which aims to regulate the keeping and trade of tigers. Soon even Jasmine and Aladdin will need a permit! Hopefully, this will shield other tigers from suffering the same fate as Sky and Snow.
The Call for a Paw-sitive List
Four Paws has also taken on a new proactive approach to combat the illegal trade and keeping of wild animals. The organization is advocating for the introduction of a “positive list” of species. This is a list that specifies which animals can be legally kept and traded as pets. The implementation of such a list across the EU would help to reduce the demand for exotic pets and protect big cats like Snow and Sky. Overall the number of animals subjected to cruel conditions would severely decrease.
In short
Snow and Sky directly faced the complicated issues around illegal trade and private ownership of big cats. While their rescue and rehoming to South Africa was successful, the challenges faced by their kind remain a significant problem worldwide. It’s a reminder to stay informed and support the efforts that help protect all the kitties who have not yet grown their claws. So if you see a tiger in your neighborhood, you’re sober and there’s no zoo nearby, be sure to call the cops.
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