Kenya
 

©FOUR PAWS

In October 2024, FOUR PAWS received an urgent request from Sloboda Zvierat, a Slovak civil society dedicated to animal welfare, for help in finding a permanent home for three female tigers that had previously performed in a circus. The tigers, named Princess, Kenya, and Samba, were part of Circus Aleš, a Czech circus that primarily tours and performs in Slovakia. The owners of Circus Aleš contacted the Slovak veterinary authorities to arrange a better living situation for the three tigers. After internal consultation, FOUR PAWS agreed to rescue these tigers and place them at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands.

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Unfortunately, during the first visit, the veterinarian discovered that Princess was seriously ill. In December 2024, a small team of FOUR PAWS staff and a wildlife veterinarian returned to the location for a more extensive health examination of Princess. They discovered that the tigress had several serious and irreversible health problems, including liver and kidney disease. After careful consideration of her medical situation and in consultation with other expert veterinarians and the owners, the difficult decision was made to spare her further suffering and to let her go. 

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Although the loss of Princess was a major blow, the focus of FOUR PAWS had 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 behaviour, far away from the stress of circus life. The rescue mission for Samba and Kenya began in January 2025. On the day of the rescue, FOUR PAWS arrived with a wildlife veterinarian to sedate the tigers. Kenya and Samba were both thoroughly examined, and the results revealed that the tigers suffer from problems common in big cats in captivity, such as chronic kidney and dental conditions. Despite these issues, they were declared healthy for transport and carefully loaded into their transport crates. The tigers were transported by road from Slovakia to the Netherlands. The veterinarian and staff from FOUR PAWS traveled along to ensure that the animals' health was monitored throughout the entire journey. After a smooth 14-hour drive, the former circus tigers Kenya and Samba arrived safely and calmly at FELIDA.

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Upon arrival, the tigers first stayed in a spacious indoor enclosure, which is an important step to allow the animals to acclimate to their new environment and for the team to build trust with them before they are released into the outdoor enclosures. From the first day, the specialist team at FELIDA start collecting observation data, building trust training, implementing enrichment schedules, and assessing the social dynamics between the two ladies. This data forms the basis for the tailored treatment plans for Samba and Kenya to help them overcome their physical and mental trauma.

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After the laboratory results for parasites were negative and it was certain that Kenya and Samba were free of infectious diseases, they were given the green light to go outside. Samba and Kenya could finally take their first steps on the grass in their new outdoor enclosure at FELIDA! The 14-year-old tigers were initially a little cautious, but as soon as they crossed that threshold, Samba and Kenya's hesitation vanished, and they were ready to explore their beautiful new home.

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The ladies are already getting on in years, and because they lived for a long time in a circus trailer (that was too small) before they were rescued, their health is fragile. The specialist team at FELIDA are currently supporting both ladies with medication, special enrichment programs, and adapted living spaces.

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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. The team at FELIDA could see that they did not show much interest in each other and that they preferred to have their own space. Therefore, Samba and Kenya were each given their own large enclosure, which they enjoy immensely. They are now often seen lying in their own hammocks, enjoying the sun.

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It is wonderful that they tigresses are now at FELIDA, where they are provided with intensive special care and given the best quality of life they so deserve.

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​​​​​The proceeds from both Kenya and Samba's portraits are shared with FELIDA Big Cat Sancuary. For more information on this amazing sanctuary, please visit www.felida-bigcatsanctuary.org/nl

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