Two White Bengal tigers rescued from captivity in Boksburg experience freedom and a new life at a sanctuary, thanks to the NSPCA and Boksburg SPCA.
Free State, South Africa (20 April 2024) – Prepare to be moved, inspired, and utterly elated by this heartwarming update of freedom and redemption for the Two “Boksburg Tigers”!
This video, which has been making waves online, is bound to stir your soul and make your day.
Earlier this year, a landmark rescue unfolded in Boksburg that has since become a symbol of triumph for wildlife protection in South Africa. Two majestic White Bengal tigers, languishing in captivity for over two years in a residential property, were finally given the gift of freedom on 20 February 2024. Rescued by the dedicated teams from the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) and the Boksburg SPCA, these tigers were relocated to the Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary in Fouriesburg, Free State.
The transformation in the tigers’ lives has been nothing short of remarkable. “We relocated them to our sanctuary on 20 February. They were released into a smaller holding enclosure where they will learn to adjust to life in a natural environment,” the sanctuary explains.
“In 3-4 months from now, they will then be moved to a one-hectare enclosure where they will stay permanently. All our enclosures are designed to cater for the needs of our animals, creating the illusion of even more space with unending views of the valley and mountains in the distance.”
Imagine their previous existence: trapped in a barren, urban enclosure, devoid of greenery and the freedom to express their natural behaviours. These magnificent creatures were relegated to the status of mere objects, existing solely for human gratification. But thanks to the unwavering efforts of the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit, the Boksburg SPCA Inspectorate, and renowned big cat veterinarian Dr Peter Caldwell, their fate took a dramatic turn for the better.
The rescue operation was executed with precision and care, ensuring the safety and well-being of the tigers throughout. The tigers’ first encounter with their new sanctuary was both exhilarating and poignant. As they took their first leaps into freedom, their interactions with grass and open space were a sight to behold. Their curiosity was palpable as they explored their new haven, free from the confines of concrete and human captivity.
The NSPCA has been a vocal advocate against the keeping and breeding of exotic wild species for purposes other than genuine conservation or rehabilitation. This rescue serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible wildlife management and the need to end the confinement of exotic animals in South Africa.
Watch the heartwarming video below: