Seven circus tigers have been rescued from cramped cages on the back of trucks in Guatemala after more than eight years, in an 18-hour operation led by London-based Animal Defenders International (ADI).
Simba, Kimba, Jix, Chiquita, Nala, Africa and Kenia were taken from Circo Rey Gitano with the assistance of police and government officials. They are now receiving veterinary care at a temporary rescue unit.
Guatemala banned animal circuses in 2018, but the family-run circus refused to surrender its animals and moved them on to private land. The tigers were kept in makeshift cages on trailers while ADI pursued their release.
Two of the animals are believed to be about 20 years old. Kimba and Chiquita were still cubs when ADI first attempted to rescue them eight years ago.
The latest operation was kept secret over fears that the circus might leave with the tigers. ADI arranged transport away from the site before moving in at the last moment, while co-founder and president Jan Creamer and other charity workers were reportedly jostled and threatened during a standoff outside Guatemala City.
Tim Phillips, an ADI co-founder, said the circus had refused to comply with government orders and had kept the animals in “terrible conditions” since the ban was introduced.
“They’ve made it very difficult for us to rescue these animals, but we were resolute in our campaign to free them,” he said.
Mr Phillips said the animals could have enjoyed their freedom had they been surrendered when the ban was enforced. Instead, he said, they had spent years in small cages in a field, adding that time had been running out for the two oldest tigers.
It is feared that other animals belonging to Circo Rey Gitano, including a white tiger and African lions, died during the lengthy dispute.
The rescued tigers will eventually be flown to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa. Four 2.5-acre habitats, each with a heated house, are being built there, with the animals due to have access to swimming pools and natural space.
Jan Creamer said: “They tried everything possible to avoid giving up the animals, but eight years of extra hell for these wonderful tigers is now over.”
ADI, which has previously rescued 20 lions and tigers from Guatemalan circuses since the ban, is seeking 300,000 dollars to cover the latest rescue, veterinary treatment, transport and the animals’ lifelong care.
