You won’t believe the surprise that the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Arizona received! They’re home to various animals like javelinas, wolves, and coyotes that are native to the Sonoran Desert. But when they got a call about a baby bengal tiger coming their way, they were taken aback.
“Having a tiger at our center is extremely unusual,” shared Jamie Haas Oliver, the marketing and development manager at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. “And the story of how we ended up with her is quite extraordinary too.”
It all started when the police came across a suspicious online post advertising a baby tiger for sale. Acting swiftly, officials arrived at the suburban address mentioned in the post, and what they discovered left them shocked. There, in a locked cage no bigger than a dog kennel, was the tiny tiger, hidden away in a closet.
Since the tiger is considered evidence in an ongoing legal case, authorities decided that she needed to remain within the state borders for the time being.
The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, known for their positive relationship with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was deemed the most suitable temporary home for her.
Once she was rescued from her dangerous situation, the 4-week-old tiger was brought to the center and placed in a spacious enclosure.
It was a stark contrast to the cramped space she had been confined to. And boy, did she thrive! Within weeks, she was gaining about 10 pounds each week and underwent quite a transformation since her arrival in January.
The moment the tiger realized she had room to roam and play, her excitement was palpable. This big cat, who had spent her early days cooped up in a tiny space, reveled in the newfound freedom.
She particularly enjoys anything involving water, and it’s not uncommon to find her engaging in watersports.
“Our little tiger loves her water tubs and has a blast splashing around. She even bats balls just like a typical housecat, although she’s definitely not your everyday pet,” chuckled Oliver.
As the legal case is still ongoing, the staff members are uncertain how long they’ll have the privilege of caring for this magnificent tiger. But they’re more than happy to provide her with a loving environment for as long as necessary.
Eventually, when she’s ready, the tiger will be relocated to a sanctuary that’s even better suited for her needs, allowing her to thrive in a more suitable setting.
For now, this growing tiger is savoring her time in the desert, making the most of her days with plenty of playtime and watersports. She’s truly a symbol of resilience and the tireless efforts of the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center to protect and care for animals in need.
