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 initially stayed in a spacious indoor enclosure. The FELIDA team first had to ensure that the tigers were free from diseases and parasites and that they form a trusting relationship with their caretakers. 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 began 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.

After the lab results were negative and we were sure Kenya and Samba were free of contagious diseases, we slowly started reintroducing the two ladies to each other in the familiar environment of their indoor enclosure. Kenya and Samba were always forced to live together in the circus but that does not automatically mean that both tigers want to stay together. Therefore, the FELIDA set up a socialisation plan to slowly get them used to each other again. We can see that the both animals need space and time to renew their relationship, but we also see that they are getting more comfortable around each other.

After observing more and more positive signs between them, Samba and Kenya could finally take their FIRST steps on the grass, into their new outdoor enclosure at FELIDA! The 14-year-old tigers were a bit cautious at first, but once they crossed that threshold Samba and Kenya’s hesitations vanished and they were ready to explore their beautiful new home.

We are incredibly proud of their bravery and can’t wait to share more of their journey to recovery. For now, we’ll give them all the space and time they need to adjust but still keep a close eye on their relationship.