Tio is an easygoing tiger. Sometimes, he even lets the vultures eat with him! Tio embraced his new home from the moment he stepped foot into his outdoor enclosure, bounding out and playfully running around. Tio enjoys stalking those who work closest to him, but visitors can get to know this social cat, too! He will often come up to greet tour guests. If not, he can be easily seen lounging in his favorite shady area toward the middle of his enclosure. Tio enjoys tearing up enrichment and relaxing in his pool during the summer.
How Tio Came to the Sanctuary
Tio was rescued along with three other tigers, Kaari, Shira, and Yanaba, from a facility in the southwestern part of the United States. Due to limited details and the ongoing situation, not much else is known about where the four tigers came from. Kaari passed away in February 2019.
Personality
Tio is an extremely laid-back tiger who does not seem phased by much. Even in quarantine, he just went with the flow. When we released him into his new outdoor enclosure, he came bounding out and immediately explored his new home and marked his territory. Tio is on the tour path and will often come up to greet tours. He also enjoys hanging out in his pool or in the shade at the back of his enclosure.
Tio is a petite male tiger. He has a large head and dark fur. At some point before Tio was rescued, he was declawed on all four paws. Because the tips of his toes were removed during the declaw, Tio's feet flop forward when he walks. This is called "Paddle Foot" and it is something we will continue to monitor for signs of arthritis as he ages. On March 5, 2019, Tio had to have a middle toe removed from his front right paw due to complications caused by his declaw. He recovered well and still gets around his enclosure fine!
Where in Sanctuary
Tio lives on tour on Oak Hill. His neighbors are Roman and Reina Lion to one side and Caprichio, Carolina, and India Tiger to the other.
Declawing of Wild Cats
When one declaws a cat, they are removing not only the claw of the cat but also the tip of the toe up to the first knuckle. Removing the claws of a wild cat, especially one as large as a tiger, causes the cat to walk in an unnatural way and can quickly cause them to develop arthritis. Carolina Tiger Rescue is against the declawing of wild cats.
Panthera tigris
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