December 31, 2018 marks our 45th anniversary! Over the next few months, we will be sharing where we have been, where we are today, and what hopes we have for the future.

One of Carolina Tiger Rescue’s early rescues was in 1993 when Wednesday Kinkajou found her forever home. Believe it or not, she is still living at Carolina Tiger Rescue and at 30 years old, is our oldest animal. Wednesday was a private pet, surrendered to Carolina Tiger Rescue after repeatedly biting her owner. In an attempt to make Wednesday “safer,” her owners declawed her and she now suffers from arthritis in her nubby fingers. Wednesday enjoys her peaceful life at Carolina Tiger Rescue, where she is left alone until it is time for dinner.

Then came the “Virginia Girls.” Manassas, Micro, and Antietam Tigers were rescued from a crowded box car filled with manure as high as their shoulders. When they arrived at Carolina Tiger Rescue, they were hungry and in poor health. Manassas and Micro Tigers weighed only 180 pounds and Antietam, the largest tiger of the trio, was a scrawny 200 pounds. The Virginia Girls, as they came to be known, quickly adapted to their spacious enclosure, a nutritious whole-carcass diet, and enrichment activities. The Virginia Girls were lucky that folks like you were passionate about bringing them to their forever home.

Aria Tiger

One of our most widely known tigers is Nitro. Prior to being rescued in 2009 by Carolina Tiger Rescue, Nitro lived in a junkyard zoo and was fed cow skulls. He lived in debris among rats and algae-covered water dishes. Nitro was a sociable tiger and a favorite on tours. In fact, Nitro became a star, featured in two national publications by National Geographic Kids: “Tiger in Trouble” and “Animal Helpers- Sanctuaries.” Sadly, Nitro’s story is shockingly common. As you know, many of the animals we have rescued came from neglectful or abusive situations. It is because of you that so many animals have been given a second chance. Thank you! We really could not have done it without your trust and ongoing support.

Not all of our rescues involve such horrific neglect or abuse, but even owners with the best intentions lack the ability to provide the same level of care that a sanctuary can. Rajaji Tiger never felt grass before coming to Carolina Tiger Rescue. Elvis Serval was abandoned on our front doorstep. Others never had any kind of medical treatment before arriving at Carolina Tiger Rescue. Tigers like Aria.

Aria was privately owned by a family in South Carolina and lived in their backyard. When she was about 10 years old she became very ill. Although she was eating, she rapidly lost weight. In fact, she weighed about half of what a tiger her size should have weighed. In May 2013, we brought Aria to Carolina Tiger Rescue and gave her a full checkup. Our veterinarian discovered that she had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and irritable bowel disease. Without intervention, Aria would not have survived. Animal Care staff fed Aria raw beef pancreas, which allowed her to fully digest her meal and absorb the proper nutrients from her food. Amazingly, she got better! In fact, we even had to put her on a diet at one point! Aria’s resiliency, personality, and charm easily won over anyone who met her.

This year alone, we rescued five animals who needed our help – Yanaba, Shira, Kaari, and Tio Tigers and Baxter Kinkajou. They were saved because of people like you! It is because of your generosity that they all got second chances.

Carolina Tiger has rescued so many magnificent animals over the years and each one has a special story. Thank you from everyone at the sanctuary (furry and otherwise)! We definitely couldn’t do this without the support of kind friends like you!