In October 2024, FOUR PAWS was contacted by Sloboda Zvierat, a Slovakian civil association working for the welfare of animals, to help find a permanent home for originally three female ex-circus tigers. The three female tigers named Kenya, Samba and Princess, belonged to Circus Aleš, a Czech circus that mainly travels and performs in Slovakia.    

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. 

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.

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.

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.