Liberec/Vienna, 4 September 2025 – A barren, filthy enclosure without protection from harsh weather. Here, tiger Tajmir had been kept illegally for more than a decade. His story reflects the plight of countless tigers, who fall victim to the ruthless wildlife trade. Czech authorities found Tajmir emaciated, injured and ill when they confiscated him in March 2025. The owner had abandoned him when his property was foreclosed due to financial reasons. After being temporarily rehomed at Zoo Liberec, where his recovery started, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is giving the 12-year-old male tiger a fresh start. On Tuesday, 02 September, Tajmir arrived in his new home in the Netherlands. At FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary, which is operated by FOUR PAWS, he will receive intensive individualised care to recover from the traumas of his past, supported by a team specialised in big cats rescued from inadequate keeping.

Tajmir’s owner has previously been found guilty of unlawful handling of endangered species in the case of five lions that died under his care.

On the road with the Big Cat Ambulance

On Tuesday a specialised team transported Tajmir by road from Zoo Liberec to FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary. He was monitored throughout the journey by a veterinarian and travelled in the FELIDA Big Cat Ambulance – a custom vehicle equipped with temperature sensors, a secure crate compartment, and onboard cameras.

Tailored care for tiger Tajmir

“Tajmir was very tired after the long journey but we are pleased to see he’s already beginning to settle in. He has a healthy appetite and curiously inspected his new indoor enclosure right after his release,” says Juno van Zon, Chief Animal Caretaker at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary. In the coming days, the team will develop a personalised treatment and enrichment plan. Further veterinary checks will determine whether Tajmir suffers from additional health conditions linked to his previous inappropriate keeping by the private owner. After an adjustment period, he will be released into his outdoor enclosure, where he can enjoy swimming in a pool and rest on a platform.

Tigers Pay the Real Cost of Trade

Due to weak regulation and enforcement, Europe remains a hub for tiger trade.  A live adult tiger can fetch up to €22,000 on the black market in Asia and €5,000 in Europe. While wild tigers are strictly protected, legal loopholes in many countries allow captive-bred tigers to be traded and kept privately. The animals are paying a high price for this ruthless trade, suffering in inadequate keeping conditions and from health issues due to inbreeding and malnutrition. FOUR PAWS is calling for a global ban on the private keeping and commercial trade of big cats. The organisation urges authorities to improve legislation and enforcement, to confiscate big cats from inadequate conditions and rehome them in species-appropriate sanctuaries, as was done in Tajmir’s case.

FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary – a home for rescued big cats

FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands is one of 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects FOUR PAWS has established worldwide for rescued wild animals. The sanctuary provides specialised care and is currently home to eight rescued and traumatised big cats that were kept in inadequate conditions.