As the world observes International Tiger Day on July 29, 2025 Four Paws, a global animal welfare organisation, highlights the incredible journeys of tigers at Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa.
The organisation says that these majestic creatures, once subjected to severe exploitation, now thrive in a sanctuary dedicated to their welfare and rehabilitation.
It is revealed that each tiger at the sanctuary carries a unique and often heartbreaking backstory where many were performers in circuses or confined in inadequate conditions as private pets, resulting in traumatic experiences that profoundly impacted their lives.
Yet, under the compassionate care of sanctuary staff, these tigers are finding peace and freedom. Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager at Lionsrock, articulates this transformation: “Every tiger at Lionsrock represents a powerful story of resilience. They have endured unimaginable cruelty, but here they are finally safe, free to roam, play, and express their natural behaviours in a space that prioritises their physical and psychological wellbeing.”
Located near Bethlehem in the Free State, the sanctuary is home to nearly 100 rescued big cats, including multiple tigers who have experienced a second chance at life. The sanctuary provides species-appropriate care, with expansive natural enclosures allowing these magnificent animals to live without fear. Pirker notes, “We’ve seen remarkable transformations. Tigers who once paced in tiny cages now swim, climb, and rest in the sun.”
However, while these tigers enjoy newfound liberty, the plight of their wild counterparts remains troubling. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global wild tiger population is estimated to be between 3 726 and 5 578. Furthermore, over 600 tigers are held in captivity in South Africa alone, facing often dire circumstances. Many are bred for commercial exploitation, including tourism, the exotic pet trade, and the illegal bone trade.
“Tigers are not meant to be bred for profit or kept in cages for entertainment,” argues Fiona Miles, Director of Four Paws in South Africa.
“They are apex predators, not possessions. At Lionsrock, we work to restore their dignity and offer them the sanctuary they deserve.”
Miles emphasises the need for legislative reform, urging for a global ban on the commercial trade and private keeping of big cats.
“In South Africa, urgent legislative reform is needed to close the legal loopholes that allow the breeding and exploitation of non-native big cats like tigers. True protection must extend to all species, regardless of origin.”
This International Tiger Day, Four Paws reaffirms its commitment to ending the suffering of all big cats in captivity by promoting ethical sanctuaries as alternatives. The tigers at Lionsrock stand as living monuments to the belief that change is possible, illustrating that, with compassion and concrete action, the cycle of cruelty can be broken and replaced with care.
Saturday Star