5 tigers who have spent years living in a tiny cage and being forced to perform in a Spanish travelling circus are settling into their new forever home at the Isle of Wight Zoo.
The 3 female and 2 male tigers – Natasha, Zoppa, Antonella, Girona and Mondo – were given up by the circus amid the growing public backlash around performing animals. They were taken in by Spain’s AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection) organisation which quarantines and rehabilitates circus animals but as space and resources are required for ongoing rescue efforts, the Isle of Wight Zoo has stepped in to provide the sanctuary and expert care needed by the tigers.
As part of The Wildheart Trust, the Zoo provides the accommodation and care element of the charity’s work with big cats and exotic animals – supporting rescue projects and raising awareness of the plight of animals who become victims of the circus and pet trade.
Island Echo was invited along to the Zoo at Yaverland in Sandown this morning (Friday) to see the Big Cats up close. Charlotte Corney, Founder of The Wildheart Trust tells us more…
A special event is being held with Chris Packham from 18:00 this evening, tickets for which are available on the door or in advance at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chris-packhams-party-at-the-zoo-tickets-46724626616.
