Today marks the beginning of a new life for tigers Simba, Kimba, Jix, Chiquita, Nala, Africa and Kenia after their removal from Circo Rey Gitano yesterday. The circus put out a lie that one of the tigers had died but here they all are this morning, with something soft to lie on for the first time in their lives.
The tigers were due to be surrendered 8 years ago when Guatemala banned animals in circuses. They could have been with the 17 tigers and lions flown to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary or the three tigers to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Instead, the circus held onto them, keeping them in tiny, bare cages, no room to run, no natural environment. These past eight years, they did not walk on grass or have proper exercise. Thanks to a legal action brought by The Government of Guatemala’s animal welfare division (UBA) and wildlife department (CONAP), the long wait is over.
The circus posted a misleading video of a tiger stumbling as they were being sedated, yet it is common for an animal to look unsteady, sometimes vomit slightly, as they go under. The circus had years to cooperate and ensure the animals could be removed without anesthesia. They chose not to. Their group also tried to pull up covers as the veterinarians were bringing the animals around inside the ADI freedom cages, while they would feel vulnerable and needed to be kept quiet. During the removal of the first 21 animals from Guatemala’s circuses in 2018, only one needed to be sedated. Yesterday, Circo Rey Gitano ensured every tiger had to be sedated yesterday by shouting, blocking access to the animals. It is a pity some people have been duped.
The tigers are now in an ADI Temporary Rescue Unit (TRU) in Guatemala. As you can see from the pictures, they are all well and enjoying deep hay beds. The TRU is like a hospital facility. Basic, secure, they can receive veterinary treatment, and their exercise areas are being created. Construction of the TRU required a government permit, which we received last week, so it is still being built.
ADI is familiar with the various threats we and our rescued animals receive during these circus rescues, for this reason, we do not give out the location.
The tigers will have veterinary checks, blood samples, vaccinations, any treatments necessary, to comply with international export and import regulations, and prepare them for moving to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa.
In South Africa, we will be building them huge electric-fenced natural habitats and heated houses. We will be covering food, daily care, veterinary costs and they will live out their days in peace and safety, with the company of their own kind. ADI urgently needs financial support for veterinary care, food and habitat construction in both Guatemala and South Africa.
Please support this rescue, the tigers have waited a long time for this.
