At For Tigers, the tigers are the focus and with that in mind, it’s about time we introduced three of the tigers that have featured prominently in recent social media posts. All these tigers were born and lived at Tiger Temple for various lengths of time. Their stories are complex and not as black and white as it would appear. For while these tigers did engage in tourist interactions, they also had access to large enclosures and enrichment for part of the day too.
After the closure of Tiger Temple, the tigers were relocated to government facilities. Lacking funds, space and manpower, the welfare of the tigers dropped, with many passing away not long after the move. But, with your help, we have raised funds for and built a number of enclosures to ensure they can have a high quality of life for the remainder of their lives.
Today’s tigers – Fire, Universe and Saitaan – have all suffered in the initial phases after the closure of Tiger Temple, a stark reminder that a simple shutdown is not always as straightforward as it seems when it comes to improving welfare. These stories are a reminder that we need to follow all rescues to the end, to ensure that the animals really are going to a better life.
1. Fire
Fire, one of the younger tigers to be relocated, was just two-years old during the move. As such, he was always one of the more resilient tigers. That being said, he was used to a lot of human interactions due to his role as one of the photo prop tigers. Without access to a large enclosure or supplied toys and enrichment to meet is energetic needs, Fire suffered from boredom. As such, his playful disposition turned into a more aggressive one brought on by the small, barren living space.
However, over the years we funded and built larger enclosures as well as the provision of enrichment. Finally, in 2023, Fire was given access to a new enclosure. Now, he is thriving once more, becoming more playful again as he is able to perform natural behaviours and explore a larger living space.
2. Universe
Universe really suffered in the initial move to the government facilities. While he had been a tourist tiger in his early years, at four years old, Universe had already been retired. Instead of interacting with people, he was used to spending his days in a large enclosure with his mature siblings. However, at the government facilities, he lived in a small cage, separated from the tigers he knew. As a result, he became hugely stressed, and developed a face-rubbing stereotypy that caused open wounds across his face.
Over time, Universe began to settle in. But it wasn’t until he was moved to one of the newly built enclosures a few years ago that he finally began to settle down. Today, he is more or less back to his calm, relaxed self, and able to enjoy his surroundings.
3. Saitaan
Another young tiger, Saitaan was used to tourist interactions from a young age. She was part of the cub feeding program before becoming a photo prop in the afternoons. From there, she moved to the cub exercise program due to her energy and playfulness. She too, had free access to enclosures in the morning, and also during the afternoon if no tourist participated in the cub exercise.
Once she moved to the government facilities, she became shy, withdrawn and nervous. The small living space and unfamiliar keepers were a stressor. But, due to her younger age, she was able to overcome these issues a lot faster than many others. With access to an enclosure in more recent years, she has relaxed again, and now is back to being friendly and curious like she was before.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
By supporting the ongoing care of these tigers, we are helping to create a place where tigers like Fire, Universe and Saitaan can live out their lives in peace. Every donation, makes a difference and allows us to provide more for these tigers in their new lives. Let’s work together to ensure that these stories of survival and strength continue for generations to come.
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