In April 2025, Czech authorities reached out to request our assistance in finding a suitable lifelong home for a male tiger. The 12-year-old tiger, named Tajmir, had been confiscated by the Czech authorities from illegal private ownership and was being temporarily kept at a nearby zoo. 

After evaluating available resources, it was decided that in order to offer this tiger the dignified life every animal deserves, our FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary would be able to provide a new home for tiger Tajmir.

Tiger Tajmir was born in 2013 at a big cat breeding facility in the Czech Republic and was transferred to a private owner in 2015. The local authorities discovered that Tajmir was kept without the necessary paperwork and in conditions that did not meet the minimum requirements set by Czech legislation. When the owner failed to correct these issues, authorities made the decision to confiscate Tiger Tajmir. 

The owner then encountered financial difficulties and lost his property to foreclosure in March 2025, at which point he abandoned Tajmir. Czech authorities, along with staff from a local zoo, regularly visited the property to ensure that the tiger received basic care. In April 2025, Zoo Liberec was finally able to take in Tiger Tajmir, providing temporary care until a permanent home could be found for him.

When Tajmir arrived at Zoo Liberec, he tested positive for salmonella and was underweight and malnourished. Initially, he displayed mobility issues that were likely linked to his previous inappropriate care. The caretakers also observed stereotypical signs of stress.

At Zoo Liberec, Tajmir is beginning his recovery from a life of inadequate treatment. The zoo has treated him for salmonella and is providing him with improved nutrition and supplements. We look forward to continuing this care at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary. Once he arrives, we will perform a comprehensive veterinary examination to fully assess the status of his health.

Once all our necessary equipment was prepared — from vet supplies to video cameras and all the many essential documents — the FOUR PAWS team and colleagues from FELIDA got on the road to drive to the north of the Czech Republic to meet each other at the rescue site. At Zoo Liberec, Tajmir received not only long-awaited tasty meals and a safe enclosure, but he was also crate trained in order to make his transport easier. We are proud to say that he walked into the transport crate all on his own, which avoided the need to use anesthesia, which can cause stress to the animal. It was then time to say goodbye and begin the journey to FELIDA.

Wishing Tajmir and all the big cat ambulance passengers a safe journey! Stay tuned for more information and updates regarding his arrival.

Our sanctuary in the Netherlands specializes in housing big cats that have had a difficult life before rescue and require lifelong, individualized care. Tajmir will be joined by another recent rescue from the Czech Republic, lion cub Mero. The young lion had been kept illegally by a private individual before being confiscated by local authorities in March 2025. Mero is now settling in well at FELIDA, learning his new surroundings, building trust with his caretakers and receiving the correct care to grow into a confident lion.

Big cats and other exotic felines should not be kept as pets. The complex needs of big cat ownership are extensive and only legitimate, scientifically run zoological facilities and true sanctuaries that adhere to specific standards should be allowed to house big cats. FOUR PAWS urges governments worldwide to outlaw the private ownership and breeding of big cats and other exotic felines.

After a smooth 9-hour journey — with several check-up stops along the way — Tajmir reached FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the evening. Our big cat ambulance was fitted with a surveillance system, allowing the team and the vet to monitor him closely throughout the trip. The moment the crate door opened, Tajmir walked straight into his indoor enclosure without any hesitation; he showed a lot of curiosityQ 

Tajmir explored, checked out his hammock, and even enjoyed a few bites of meat from the caretakers. This kind of serene behavior right after arrival is rare for rescued animals — and it says a lot about Tajmir’s character. We’re truly impressed! For now, he’ll stay indoors during his adaptation period. But don’t worry — his space is filled with natural light, cozy places to rest and recharge, and enrichment to keep him engaged. This time will also help the team build trust and get to know him better. And when winter comes, we’re sure he’ll appreciate the heated walls after more than a decade exposed to the harsh elements in the Czech Republic. 

We can’t wait to see him explore his outdoor habitat soon — complete with a pond, climbing structures, and plenty of room to play and just be a tiger. Welcome home, Tajmir. Your new life starts now.

Tajmir has since been granted access to his outdoor habitat — complete with a pond, climbing structures, and plenty of room to play and just be a tiger. He has adapted exceptionally well to his new surroundings, and he's also taken first place as the biggest/tallest big cat at FELIDA. Since settling in, Tajmir has shown that he loves scratching his claws and chasing enrichment on the zipline! Whether he's splashing in the pool or doing his feline Olympics, Tajmir's zest for life is contagious.