White Tiger, Abandoned in Ukraine, to Find Sanctuary in England
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A white tiger named Alex, rescued from dire conditions in Ukraine, is set to begin a journey to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in eastern England within the next three weeks. The relocation offers a lifeline for the animal, who was found abandoned and suffering from multiple health issues amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
A Harrowing Discovery
Last year, Alex was discovered unattended in the Kharkov region of Ukraine. He was immediately taken to the “Wild Animal Rescue Center” in Chubinsky, Kyiv region, where volunteers worked to stabilize his condition. Upon arrival, the tiger was found to be severely emaciated, dehydrated, and suffering from a parasite infestation. Veterinary assessments revealed underlying problems with his liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.
“Poor people can barely keep the water from freezing,” a senior official stated, highlighting the challenging circumstances faced by the Ukrainian shelter. The facility, while dedicated, lacked the resources to provide optimal care for the large feline. Alex was initially housed in a basic enclosure – a “concrete box with straw on the floor” – described as the best the volunteers could manage.
A New Life Awaits
The Lincolnshire Wildlife Park has completed all necessary documentation for Alex’s transport to the United Kingdom. The final logistical hurdle involves securing a suitable container for the journey. “Now we are at the stage where all that remains is to obtain the dimensions of the container so that we can select the vehicle and the date of transportation,” explained Steve Nichols, general manager of the park near Boston.
The transport route will take Alex through Poland and several Northern European countries before arriving at the English port of Dover, and finally, to his new home.
Preparing for Arrival
The Lincolnshire Wildlife Park has already begun preparing for Alex’s arrival, constructing a dedicated enclosure in October. Nichols promises a significant improvement in the tiger’s quality of life. “We are so worried that we cannot influence this side of the process,” Nichols stated, referring to the conditions in Ukraine. “In England, the beast will be able to ‘live in luxury’ and not ‘wake up with icy fur.’”
Upon arrival, Alex will undergo a three-stage adaptation process. He will initially be housed in an enclosed area providing space for sleeping, playing, and feeding. Subsequently, under veterinary supervision, he will transition to a larger, open enclosure. The final stage will involve a carefully managed introduction to the park’s other tigers.
This rescue represents a beacon of hope for Alex, offering a chance to thrive in a safe and enriching environment after a harrowing start to life.
