Build Habitats for Rescued Lions, Tigers, & Bears

We recently welcomed a new addition to the Sanctuary, providing us with an excellent opportunity to shed light on the often overlooked challenges involved in creating animal habitats. Let us introduce Duke, a young tiger cub who joined us a few months ago.

At our Sanctuary, we have a policy of not allowing animals to reproduce in order to prevent the addition of more captive wildlife. Consequently, it is quite rare for us to have younger animals in our habitats. Due to Duke's small size, we couldn't place him in a regular habitat as he would easily slip through the fence! Rescuing tiger cubs presents particular challenges due to their specific habitat requirements. In Duke's case, we initially housed him in a hybrid habitat connected to the Veterinarian Clinic. This arrangement allowed our staff to provide hands-on care while still giving the cub enough space to adapt to his new surroundings.

It is common to find habitats of various sizes at the Wild Animal Sanctuary. The animals we rescue do not come from vast, open spaces where they can freely roam. Instead, they have often spent years in cramped enclosures, growing accustomed to confined spaces. Placing a newly rescued tiger in a 20-acre habitat could be incredibly stressful and cause further trauma to the animal. Therefore, we gradually introduce the animal to larger spaces, observing their reactions for signs of curiosity or fear. Only when they display interest and curiosity in a larger habitat do we allow them to move into it.

We had the privilege of witnessing this process unfold with Duke over the past few weeks. Being a young cub, he adapted more easily to different environments. In just a few months, Duke progressed from the vet clinic to a regular-sized habitat complete with a pool! Other animals that we rescue at an older age often take much longer, if ever, to adapt to larger spaces. We never force an animal into a bigger habitat. If they show no interest in moving, they are allowed to remain in their current habitat size. Nonetheless, they are still given further opportunities to become comfortable with additional space in the future.

Links:

• Donate to Habitats at the Refuge