SEPTEMBER 4, 2025 – In a barren, dirty enclosure that lacked protection from harsh weather, a tiger named Tajmir was illegally kept for more than a decade in the Czech Republic. His story reflects the plight of countless tigers who fall victim to the ruthless wildlife trade.

Back in March 2025, Czech authorities found the 12-year-old male tiger emaciated, injured and ill when they confiscated him. The owner had abandoned the big cat when his property was foreclosed. After being temporarily rehomed at Zoo Liberec where his recovery started, FOUR PAWS stepped in to provide Tajmir (pronounced “tie MEER”) was with a second chance. On Tuesday, September 2nd, Tajmir arrived in his new home in the Netherlands, FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary, which is operated by FOUR PAWS. Tajmir will receive intensive individualized care to recover from the traumas of his past, supported by a team specializing in big cats rescued from inadequate keeping.

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

“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,” said Juno van Zon, Chief Animal Caretaker at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary.

In the coming days, the team at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary will develop a personalized 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, the tiger will be released into his outdoor enclosure, where he can enjoy swimming in a pool and rest on a platform.

Tajmir’s story represents many big cats exploited in the wildlife trade. The commercial trade of big cats is ubiquitous, most notably in South Africa, Europe, the U.S. and Asia. Due to weak regulation and enforcement, Europe remains a hub for tiger trade.  A live adult tiger can fetch up to €22,000 (about $26,000) on the black market in Asia and €5,000 (about $6,000) 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 has been fighting for years to end the global exploitation of big cats. Our research and undercover investigations have revealed that the lucrative commercial trade of captive tigers is happening throughout Europe as well. FOUR PAWS is calling for a global ban on the private illegal keeping and commercial trade of big cats. FOUR PAWS 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.     

FOUR PAWS’ response to the tiger trade are campaigns focused on breaking the cycle of trade in Europe, working to ban captive breeding in South Africa, and protecting Endangered Species protection legislation globally. The organization also rescues tigers globally providing them with species appropriate homes in sanctuaries. FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands in one of the 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects FOUR PAWS has established worldwide for rescued wild animals. The sanctuary provides specialized care and is currently home to eight rescued and traumatized big cats that were kept in inadequate keeping conditions.