The exploitation of wild animals in circuses was banned in Slovakia in 2018. As a result, tigers are no longer used in performances, but the circus has still been allowed to keep them. For more than a year, these tigers have been tragically confined to their small circus wagons, with each tiger having approximately 10 square metres of space. Samba and Kenya share a compartment as they get along well, while Princess is kept in a separate compartment.
Circus wagon where the tigers had to survive in
These unnatural conditions have completely deprived them of the chance to live out their natural instincts and fulfill their basic needs to exercise, roam, and play.
Confined in a circus wagon
FOUR PAWS has agreed to rescue these tigers and take them to FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary, Netherlands in January 2025. There, they will finally receive the care they deserve and live in a species-appropriate environment. Once these tigers are rehomed, the local authorities will no longer permit circuses with banned animals (including big cats) to enter the country.
At FELIDA, the tigers will be in great company. Earlier this year, we rescued Manuschka, a former circus lioness who was also voluntarily handed over by her circus family. Later this year we also rescued Diego, a lion who was at risk of being sold for hunting, but he is now enjoying life in his forever home.
A new wonderful life
Our Wild Animal Rescue & Advocacy team, along with our expert wildlife veterinarians, visited the tigers to assess their health and provide vaccinations, ensuring they can safely travel to the Netherlands. Unfortunately, years of inadequate care has taken a toll on them both physically and emotionally. Princess was severely ill and when our team examined her, she was already in a critical condition. Tragically, we knew that it may already be too late to save her, but worked with veterinary experts to determine the best course of action to help her.
Our expert veterinarians examined Princess under anaesthesia and collected blood samples that were immediately analysed. They also performed ultrasounds and X-rays, and collected a urine sample. The two-hour intense health examination unfortunately revealed several problems including kidney disease and liver disease. Due to the severity of her condition and based on the veterinarians’ expertise and years of experience, they concluded that the kindest option for Princess and her welfare at this stage of her disease would be euthanasia.
We spoke with the owner, explained the situation, and he agreed to let her go. We also gave him time to say goodbye to Princess. Big cats that are kept in unsuitable conditions often suffer from chronic illness. We are heartbroken as we wanted to bring all three last circus tigers of Slovakia to FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary. However, we will continue our efforts to bring Kenya and Samba to their new home in the Netherlands in January 2025. Rest in peace dear Princess, you will not be forgotten.
After a 12-hour drive from Slovakia to the Netherlands, the 14 year old former circus tigers Kenya and Samba have arrived safe and sound at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary. They managed the journey wonderfully, with the vet checking on them regularly throughout the night.
Kenya was the first to be released into her indoor enclosure. She immediately began exploring, accepted food from her caretakers, and showed a calm and curious demeanour. Moving her to the neighbouring enclosure was a bit of a challenge – she loved her new space so much she didn’t want to leave! But with gentle encouragement, she eventually made her way over. Kenya is a very brave tigress. She is already grooming, relaxing and even showed the caretakers a belly roll!
My new life after years of torture in a circus jumping through burning hoops.
This was their life. The cruelty the animals experience to be forced to jump through burning hoops is horrific
Once Kenya was settled, Samba had her turn. Kenya waited nearby, encouraging Samba to leave the transport crate with little cuffs. When she was out, Samba also accepted food and drank from her water bowl, which are goods signs. However, compared to Kenya, she needs more time to settle in and relax. The team is observing her, and Samba will require their close attention to trust the situation and to be able to calm down.
For now, Kenya and Samba will stay in their separate indoor enclosures to adapt further. Over the coming days, caretakers will carefully assess their behaviour and health to create tailored care plans that meet their individual needs.
Settling into their new home
Since their arrival at FELIDA, Kenya and Samba have been making great progress, enjoying their warm indoor enclosures and the enrichment activities created by our dedicated caretaker team, with whom they have bonded very well. Samba unfortunately tested positive for internal parasites, so both tigresses had to stay indoors and separated to prevent transmission to each other and the other residents of the sanctuary. We are very pleased to say that the treatment was effective and the lab results came back negative.
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! They 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.
Love takes time, just like healing from past traumas. 
: © FOUR PAWS | Nadine de Ruiter & FOUR PAWS | Jeanine Noordermeer
