Born
June 26, 2009
Rescued
June 26, 2012
Died
July 30, 2025
Roscoe’s Story
Roscoe arrived at Carolina Tiger Rescue with Camilla Tiger, Roman and Reina Lion, and Nakobi and Jericho Cougar on June 26, 2012. He originally came from a private breeder in Michigan and was the last cub in the litter. The owner intended to get rid of him, but the Ohio sanctuary Rescue One stepped in and gave him a home. However, Rescue One was later forced to close its doors due to financial hardship and an inability to meet new legal regulations. Ohio toughened their laws regarding exotic pet ownership following a 2011 incident in Zanesville, Ohio. A private owner had released 56 of his lions, tigers, cougars, wolves, leopards, and bears before committing suicide. Unfortunately, law enforcement was forced to lethally dispatch the 49 animals that had escaped due to concerns for public safety. The following year, Ohio banned private ownership of dangerous wild animals and increased safety regulations for facilities like Rescue One. Rescue One could not keep up with the new legislation and decided to close its doors and find homes for all of its animals. Carolina Tiger Rescue took in six of their animals: two tigers, two lions, and two cougars.
Roscoe was a shy tiger who enjoyed a quiet life at the back of the sanctuary. He was wary of large groups, children and most men, so he never lived on tour. He did love certain visitors though and often greeted his keepers with a chuffle. Because he got nervous easily, animal care staff works with Roscoe through a training program called operant conditioning. This type of training helped him feel more confident and relaxed and made quite a difference in his life. Roscoe loved sitting in his pool and hunting for meat hidden around his enclosure.
Tasha’s Passing
August 13, 2025
Dear Carolina Tiger Rescue Family,
In 2012, we received a call concerning a sanctuary in Ohio. The state’s laws had changed after the tragic death of 48 animals in Zanesville, Ohio. The facility couldn’t make the necessary changes to keep the big cats in their care and needed to find a sanctuary for them. We were able to step in and take two lions, two cougars, and two tigers, including Roscoe Tiger.
Earlier this year we began to notice changes in Roscoe’s physical and mental health. The staff noticed potential postictal (after a seizure) behaviors and changes in his attitude towards people. His moods became less predictable, and he wasn’t showing the same signs of enjoying things such as enrichment or his pool. There were also changes in his vision which made life more difficult for him. We knew we were likely dealing with a brain tumor and would have limited time with him. The keeper staff kept a close eye on his quality of life and made the hard decision that it was time to say goodbye.
This farewell felt a bit different. Because we were able to plan in advance for this, many people were able to come to the sanctuary and say their goodbyes. Roscoe held a special place for those who understood and sympathized with the fact that his nature was not immediately trusting. Some people, including staff, had to take extra time getting to know Roscoe. Because of his more reclusive nature, he lived in the back of the sanctuary, and you had to make an extra effort to visit him. He was a shining example that some animals just need a quiet place to call home.
I was incredibly touched as I watched our volunteers come to say their final goodbyes. Everyone had their favorite story of Roscoe. It was clear that he had made a big impact on their lives. In the end, Roscoe laid down peacefully in the shade and was surrounded by people who loved him.
Seeing all the hands reaching out as a final connection to Roscoe was both beautiful and heartbreaking. Coming together as a team made the loss a bit more bearable.
While death will always be a part of caring for animals, it never gets easier. We never truly protect our hearts from the pain of saying goodbye. We never care any less or avoid making connections. We do so with the knowledge that we will likely have to let them go some day. After caring for Roscoe for 13 years, there are a lot of broken hearts at the sanctuary.
Thank you for supporting Carolina Tiger Rescue for so many years. Your support makes a world of difference for animals like Roscoe who need a safe place to land. We are thankful to be that place for so many.
With a heavy heart,
Kathryn Bertok
Assistant Director