A wildlife sanctuary in San Diego proudly reports that two of the 69 tigers rescued from the notorious collection of Joe Exotic, the infamous ‘Tiger King,’ are thriving at their Alpine, California location.
The Lions, Tigers, and Bears Animal Sanctuary, which participated in the rescue, has spent three years helping the Bengal tigers, Jem and Zoe, recover and regain their health. The sanctuary’s dedicated efforts have paid off, with both tigers now at normal weight and displaying behaviors typical of their wild counterparts.
The Netflix docu-series Tiger King, released in 2021, exposed the dark world of the US tiger trade, focusing on Joe Exotic’s private menagerie and his feud with Carole Baskin, the owner of Big Cat Rescue. Exotic is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence for conspiracy to commit murder, after attempting to hire hitmen to kill Baskin. His Tiger King Park in Oklahoma was shut down due to ongoing violations of the Endangered Species Act.
Following the closure, an organized effort was made to relocate Exotic’s 69 captive tigers to sanctuaries across the country. As part of this initiative, Lions, Tigers, and Bears took in two of the adult tigers, Jem and Zoe, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. The sanctuary’s work highlights the importance of rescue and rehabilitation efforts for animals affected by illegal wildlife trade and improper care.
“Their condition was dire, marked by severe malnutrition, emaciation, dull skin, and other issues,” LTB said when they spoke to Fox News 5 San Diego. “The trauma from long-term abuse led to the development of uncharacteristic behavior, such as not eating for days at a time.”
However, LTB’s efforts were a success, and after three years the two tigers are “living their best lives in their forever home.”
Visitors can see Zoe and Jem at the Lions, Tigers, and Bears (LTB) Sanctuary by reservation only. The sanctuary relies on both visitors and contributions to carry out life-saving rescues, such as the ones that brought these tigers from the Tiger King Park to their new home.
True to its name, Lions, Tigers, and Bears Sanctuary houses more than just tigers. Guests can encounter a variety of majestic animals, including lions, bobcats, and leopards, as well as other large species beyond the Panthera genus. The sanctuary provides a haven for these animals, offering them a second chance at life in a safe and caring environment.
By visiting and supporting the sanctuary, individuals contribute to the ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals affected by illegal wildlife trade and neglect. The sanctuary’s work not only ensures the well-being of the animals in their care but also raises awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the dangers these animals face in captivity.
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