The animals showed signs of serious neglect: how Four Paws saved two tigers from deplorable conditions
Plagued by stress and anxiety, I barely slept. That night, we met with both the Environmental Control Brigade and the Federal Police. The latter played a crucial role in ensuring our security throughout the mission. The next morning, upon arriving at the location, I felt gripped by tension and fear. A bone-chilling coldness coursed through my entire body.
- 1 year ago
July 14, 2023
BALCARCE, Argentina — We strolled through the remains of animals scattered on the damp ground, witnessing the aftermath of a once-thriving space. The animals laid in deplorable conditions, their emaciated bodies telling a tale of neglect. The facilities themselves looked unsafe, on the edge of collapse. The cages, cramped and confined, were nothing more than flimsy enclosures of sheets and wires. They barely contained their occupants.
The sight of these poor, malnourished creatures broke my heart. At that moment, an overwhelming surge of emotions engulfed me, rendering me speechless. We decided right then and there to undertake the task of rescuing the tigers, held captive within an illegal private hatchery.
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The start of our rescue mission proved much more difficult than anticipated
One day, in 2021, we received a request from a woman alerting us of a unique case involving two tigers, previously part of a large-scale confiscation. Upon hearing the urgency in her voice, I promptly contacted the Ministry of the Environment and the Environmental Control Brigade to help solve the issue. The process became an arduous one, stretching over a considerable period of time. The true condition of the tigers remained unknown to us, leaving us in the dark regarding the extent of their deterioration.
We devised a plan to safely secure the animals, administer sedatives, and provide necessary treatment with the assistance of our skilled team of veterinarians. Working against the clock, we knew the scenario would be distressing. Finding a suitable housing arrangement for the tigers posed another crucial challenge, as it required specific conditions that not all of Four Paws’ 13 sanctuaries worldwide could accommodate.
This task entailed careful planning and meticulous preparation. We needed to ensure that the selected location wouldn’t turn the tigers into mere zoo exhibits, but rather provide them with a sanctuary.
After considerable effort, the tigers would be transported to Al Ma’wa for Nature and Wildlife in Jordan, approximately 40 minutes away from the capital city of Amman. The team arrived a couple of days before the operation to thoroughly assess the entire route. The night before we conducted the operation felt interminable.
Plagued by stress and anxiety, I barely slept. That night, we met with both the Environmental Control Brigade and the Federal Police. The latter played a crucial role in ensuring our security throughout the mission. The next morning, upon arriving at the location, I felt gripped by tension and fear. A bone-chilling coldness coursed through my entire body.
As we stepped inside, the sight that unfolded before our eyes was haunting
Carcasses varying in colors and species lay scattered in disarray. We found ourselves treading among a multitude of lifeless bodies. Some objects looked unidentifiable, while others, such as elk horns and lamb pieces, could be identified. The entire environment lay permeated with filth, including a floor that was more mud than grass.
The enclosures holding the animals were constructed with rudimentary elements, rendering the creatures even more vulnerable. The containments consisted of a few sheets fastened together with wire. Additionally, a rail stretched across the property, where the owner had once tied a dog using a chain and a ring.
We speculated that the equipment was likely employed for the transportation of the tigers. The cruelty of it all felt simply overwhelming. The two tigers we encountered displayed severe physical deterioration, indicative of long-term neglect. They required immediate medical attention. According to the hatchery owner, he obtained the adult tiger from a circus, while a trucker brought him the younger one.
Our team administered anesthesia to the tigers. Once securely in their respective enclosures, we reversed the sedation to ensure they would remain awake throughout the journey. At the Buenos Aires airport, we sent the animals on a flight to Jordan.
Today, both tigers show signs of successful recovery, albeit within limitations. Knowing we managed to save them fills my heart with joy. When I think of the number of animals living in poor conditions that still need to be rescued, I can’t help but feel a sense of duty. Throughout these missions, I strive to transform their lives forever, liberating them from the horrors they have endured.
All photos are courtesy of FOUR PAWS and Hristo Vladev.
