FOUR PAWS rescuing obese tiger weighing over 260kg

FOUR PAWS veterinarians and facility staff immediately arrived in Cam Khe district to lend their expertise. Together with the authorities, the FOUR PAWS team freed the tiger from its tiny cage in which it could not stand up or even sit, transferring it into a specialized transport crate.

In extreme temperatures, the top priority was to ensure the tiger's well-being and survival. Throughout the 6-hour drive to a temporary keeping facility, frequent stops were made to check on the tiger, provide water and ensure its welfare. The tiger was awaken before being transferred to an ecological site for temporary care in Nghe An Province, Vietnam.

Illegal trafficking of tigers persists, driven by demand for tiger bone glue, body parts for traditional medicine, and ornamental purposes. This places the survival of the species in danger, and causes severe suffering. 

FOUR PAWS is committed to fighting against this cruel trade, advocating for the protection and welfare of tigers. With veterinarians Dr Lesley and Marc Goelkel, in Vietnam the organisation provides extensive tiger expertise and medical facilities and equipment of recognized high international standards. The teams’ experience and urgent response enabled a positive outcome for Cam Khe District Police.

According to the Forest Protection Department (FPD), approximately 388 tigers are kept in zoos, safaris and under private ownership. FOUR PAWS remains pleased to work with authorities by contributing significant tiger expertise and future solutions for these beautiful animals in Vietnam.

In recent years, several cases have emerged where tigers were found anesthetized and confined in tiny cages during transportation. “Poor transport conditions lead to high levels of stress, which in turn endanger both the animal as well as attending people. A situation which is exacerbated by highly unsafe cages. The tigers, often weighing over 200kg due to being fattened beforehand, are usually in overall poor health condition due to inadequate husbandry and raising conditions. They face significant anaesthetic risks, which complicate their initial immobilization, transfer to appropriate transport crates and transportation in general.” says Dr Lesley Goelkel, wildlife veterinarian for FOUR PAWS in Vietnam. 

As the situation demands utmost care from all parties involved, FOUR PAWS appreciates the swift action taken by the police and relevant authorities in this case, which was crucial in ensuring the tiger's well-being and safety.

With three big cat sanctuaries worldwide, FOUR PAWS provides a species-appropriate environment for rescued tigers and other big cats. “We have rescued a total of 278 big cats, including tigers, in our sanctuaries. Our international veterinarians in Vietnam specialize in big cats and are trained to handle such situations while ensuring the animals' welfare. We aim to continue and extend our support for captive tigers in Vietnam to end the commercial tiger trade. We look forward to a fruitful cooperation with authorities and other stakeholders to provide sustainable solutions for tigers like the one confiscated in Cam Khe district.” says Lan Anh Ta, Wild Animal Rescue & Advocacy Project Manager, FOUR PAWS Vietnam. 

Tigers are a highly endangered species, with current estimates indicating there are only 3,900 left in the wild. Ambitious, science-based conservation efforts, along with anti-poaching and community-based engagement plans, are necessary to secure a future for these majestic and elusive big cats. 

FOUR PAWS has been fighting for years to end the global exploitation of big cats. Research and undercover investigations have revealed that the lucrative commercial trade of captive tigers is happening across Asia and in Europe. Illegal trafficking of tigers persists, driven by demand for tiger bone glue, body parts for traditional medicine, and ornamental purposes. This places the survival of the species in danger, and causes severe suffering to these magnificent creatures.

For other projects, FOUR PAWS has been working with authorities since 2017 to rescue over sixty Asiatic black bears from poor captivity, across Vietnam. Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh is not only a safe home for former bile bears and bears that are victims of the illegal wildlife trade, but also, an awareness and education centre for wildlife conservation in Vietnam. In 2024, FOUR PAWS invested in the expansion of its capacity in Ninh Binh, enabling the facility to rehabilitate and house even more rescued animals in its 11-hectare semi-wild species-appropriate enclosure.