In October 2024, FOUR PAWS received an urgent request from Sloboda Zvierat, a Slovakian civil association working for the welfare of animals, seeking help to find a permanent home for three female tigers who had previously performed in a circus. The tigers, named Princess, Kenya, and Samba, were part of Circus Aleš, a Czech circus that mainly travels and performs in Slovakia. The owners of Circus Aleš reached out to the Slovakian veterinary authorities to arrange for a better living situation for the three tigers. After internal discussions, FOUR PAWS agreed to rescue these tigers and relocate them to the FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands.

Unfortunately, during the initial veterinary check-up, the veterinarian discovered that Princess was in serious health condition. On December 19, 2024, a small team of FOUR PAWS staff and wildlife veterinarian returned to the site for a more in-depth health assessment of Princess. They found out that she had several severe and non-reversible health issues, including liver and kidney diseases. After careful consideration of her medical situation and in consultation with other expert veterinarians and the owners, the difficult decision was made that euthanasia was the only humane option to spare her further suffering.

While the loss of Princess was a significant blow, the focus of FOUR PAWS now shifted to the surviving tigresses, Samba and Kenya. Both tigers deserve a safe and loving environment where they can recover and express their natural behaviors, far removed from the stress of circus life.

The rescue mission for Samba and Kenya started on January 14, 2025. On the day of the rescue, FOUR PAWS arrived with a wildlife veterinarian on-site to anaesthetize the tigers one by one. Kenya and Samba were both examined thoroughly, and the results showed that the tigresses have issues that are often seen in big cats kept in captivity, such as chronic kidney and dental disease. Despite these issues, they were deemed fit for transport overall and carefully loaded into their transport crates.

The tigers were transported by road from Slovakia to FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands. The wildlife veterinarian and FOUR PAWS staff accompanied the transport to ensure the animals' health was monitored throughout the journey. After a smooth 14-hour drive, the former circus tigers Kenya and Samba arrived safe and sound at FELIDA– their species-appropriate forever home!  

Upon arrival the tigresses will initially stay in a spacious indoor enclosure. The FELIDA team will ensure that the tigers are free from diseases and parasites and that they form a trusting relationship with their caregivers. This is a crucial step to help the animals get used to their new surroundings and for the team to build trust with them before releasing them to outdoor enclosures. From day one, the caretakers will begin collecting observational data, engaging in trust-building training, implementing enrichment schedules, and assessing the social dynamics between the tigers. This data is the base for tailor-made treatment plans for Samba and Kenya to help them overcome their physical and mental trauma’s.

Samba and Kenya are on the brink of a new, improved life, away from the pressure and stress of circus life. With the dedication of the FELIDA team, these two magnificent tigresses will finally receive the care and attention they deserve. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the vital role that organizations like FOUR PAWS play in improving the lives of captive wild animals.