How Madonna Came to the Sanctuary
Madonna was rescued with her relative, Tears Tiger (specific relation unclear), and Tasha and Leah Tiger from a private home in Alabama in 2014. Leah and Tears Tiger have since passed. Their elderly owner had previously operated a roadside zoo, but the facility had long since closed and fallen into disrepair. Carolina Tiger Rescue was one of four rescue organizations that coordinated a joint effort to rescue and give homes to over fifteen lions, tigers, bears, and wolves housed there. Four of the tigers found a forever home here at Carolina Tiger Rescue.
Madonna is a very fitting name for this vocal girl! She always has something to say and alters between "chuffling" and moaning whenever someone stops by. She is incredibly active and athletic for a tiger her age and impresses volunteers and keepers alike with her stalking skills. Anytime she hears someone approach, she hides and stalks them. It is usually very hard to find her until she comes running up to the fence to say hello. True to form, her favorite enrichment is heavily rooted in her high prey drive. She absolutely loves stalking volunteers as they hobble around on the enrichment crutches!
Madonna is arguably our largest female tiger, with long legs, a large head, and a slender body. She has a bright orange coat and dark black stripes that help her camouflage herself in the tall grass in her enclosure. Madonna has wide, round patches of fur around her eyes, which make them stand out.
Madonna is living in an enclosure in Pine Forest. She lives next to Saber and Shira Tiger. She is not currently on tour, she does not enjoy large groups of people.
Roadside Zoos
Madonna was rescued along with three other tigers from a roadside zoo in Alabama. "Roadside zoos are collections of animals in cages to profit from motorists who stop to see the animals. They are not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). A roadside zoo can be 20 animals in adjacent pens or a single tiger in a cage. What these facilities have in common are barren cages, inadequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. The animals are often crowded into conflict-prone groupings.” – Tigers in America. The roadside zoo that Madonna came from had been shut down due to many violations, but the woman who owned it was allowed to keep her animals. It was not until her health started to decline years later that her family asked us to rescue the animals. It is always important to research a facility before you visit. Ask questions and find out why they exist and what their goals are.
Panthera tigris
