Tiger siblings move to PAWS' ARK 2000 sanctuary in California

We are pleased to share the good news that on March 2, 2016, tiger siblings Roy, Kim, and Claire moved from the Performing Animal Welfare Society's (PAWS) Galt, Calif., sanctuary where they have lived since they were young cubs, to a spacious new habitat at PAWS' 2,300-acre ARK 2000 sanctuary in San Andreas, Calif. The move happened over a two-day period, as one by one each tiger was coaxed into his or her own transport cage and driven the short distance to ARK 2000. They have all settled in beautifully.

Roy and his two sisters, Kim and Claire, were four months old when they arrived at PAWS. They were born on June 2, 2003, at a now defunct roadside zoo in New Hampshire that constantly bred cubs for photos shoots, other roadside zoos and the exotic pet trade. PAWS was contacted by an animal welfare group asking if we would take the three cubs, and PAWS co-founder, the late Pat Derby, wholeheartedly agreed to provide permanent sanctuary.

When the three young tigers arrived at the Galt sanctuary on October 2, 2003, they received a thorough medical exam by PAWS' veterinarian Dr. Jackie Gai and were immediately started on a wholesome, nutritious diet. To prevent future breeding, Roy was neutered a few months after arrival. Kim and Claire would later undergo ovariohysterectomies (spay surgery).

At the time, construction of tiger habitats at PAWS' ARK 2000 sanctuary was still in the planning stages so the three cubs moved into a large, grassy enclosure in Galt complete with a custom-built pool designed by PAWS co-founder and President Ed Stewart. This habitat has been home to the cubs for nearly twelve and a half years, and it has been a comfortable and familiar place for them to grow up and mature. Our goal all along was to move them up to a larger habitat at ARK 2000, but this plan was delayed after our unexpected, emergency rescue in 2004 of 39 tigers from horrific conditions in Colton, California.

PAWS has a great deal of experience moving animals in a safe and humane manner. Moving can be a very stressful experience for any captive wild animal, so our primary goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible. Custom-designed transport cages are used. Each cage is large enough for animals to stand up, turn around, stretch, and lie down comfortably. Animals are gently coaxed to voluntarily enter their transport cage and are transported fully awake and aware, thus avoiding the potential health risks associated with anesthesia or sedation. Careful planning ensures that the move itself is quick and calm, and our well-trained staff ensure that every step of the process is done efficiently and safely.

We are delighted to see these three beautiful tigers enjoying their spacious new home, and look forward to continuing to provide expert, dedicated care for them in this new chapter of their lives.

Thank you to Tigers In America, and to A Kinder World Foundation trustees Diana and David Swartz, for making Roy, Kim and Claire's move possible.