Tyson the Siberian tiger relocated to Limpopo
The juvenile tiger has been checked over by a vet and relocated to a NSPCA-accredited sanctuary.
Last week the NSPCA received numerous complaints from concerned residents in Muldersdrift after a white Siberian tiger, named Tyson, had been moved onto a private property in the neighbourhood.
The NSPCA wasted no time in sending a team of inspectors out to investigate and found that the tiger was being kept under conditions that compromised the welfare of both the animal, as well as the people living in the area.
“The ‘enclosure’ that had been erected for the tiger was found to be completely inadequate and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) had not issued permits or approved the transportation of the tiger. GDARD has indicated that charges will be laid against the owner for breaking the law. The NSPCA arranged for the tiger to be admitted into the care of the Waterberg Wildlife Rescue in Limpopo, which is an NSPCA-accredited sanctuary,” explained NSPCA public relations spokesperson Keshvi Nair.
Today, March 30, the NSPCA, together with GDARD, was back on the property in Muldersdrift to monitor the darting and moving of Tyson to his new home. Dr Peter Caldwell, an expert wildlife veterinarian, safely tranquilised the tiger and then performed a full health check. Caldwell also vaccinated, microchipped, and dewormed the tiger before he was loaded for transportation to the sanctuary.
The NSPCA takes every effort to ensure that animals are treated humanely and with respect and that they are provided with adequate living conditions. At the sanctuary, the tiger will have the opportunity to live a life away from public interaction and in an environment that is safe and suitable for his well-being.
READ MORE: Siberian Tiger causes concerns in Muldersdrift
“This is the fourth big cat that we have safely relocated in a month. While this is an incredible victory it still does not change the fact that these are just four big cats in an industry that has thousands of other big cats living in captivity. More needs to be done to protect these animals, and the NSPCA certainly needs the support of the public to continue doing this important work if we are ever going to see a change for all wildlife in our country,” exclaimed Inspector Lizaene Cornwall-Nyquist.
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