Abandoned White Tiger Cub Found in Critical Condition Outside Athens Zoo, Highlights Illegal Wildlife Trade
In a shocking incident at the Attica Zoological Park in Athens, Greek veterinarians are battling to save the life of a three-month-old white tiger cub discovered abandoned and emaciated in a garbage bin. The cub’s condition is believed to be a result of the illegal wildlife trade.
The cub was found on February 28th by a cleaner who noticed it hidden under a garbage bin in the zoo’s parking lot and promptly notified the zoo owner, Jean-Jacques Lesueur. Lesueur expressed astonishment at the situation, as the zoo has seen abandoned animals before, but never a tiger. Security camera footage revealed a vehicle arriving at the bins the previous night, and authorities are attempting to trace the license plate.
The poor animal was severely underweight and dehydrated when found and is currently in serious condition. The zoo’s veterinarian, Noi Psaroudaki, expressed shock at the cub’s state, noting that it had likely been fed an improper diet, leading to severe deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, making its bones extremely fragile. X-rays also revealed the presence of a metal pin in one of the cub’s back legs.
Should the tiger survive, it will need to be relocated to a sanctuary, as the zoo does not house other animals of its kind. International wildlife and animal welfare organizations have already reached out to offer assistance.
Andrea Cerny, the zoo’s head keeper for cats, emphasized the challenges in caring for tigers due to their size, diet, and aggressiveness. She stressed that tigers should never be kept as pets, as they are dangerous animals with strong hunting instincts, often leading to abandonment or even killing.
Wildlife trade in Europe is a billion-euro industry, with exotic animals commonly originating from Asia and Africa and being sold to European buyers. Greece, in particular, has become an entry point for illegally traded animals like snakes and tigers.
In conclusion, this distressing incident highlights the severity of the illegal wildlife trade and its impact on innocent animals like the abandoned white tiger cub. It serves as a reminder of the importance of stricter regulations and international cooperation in combating this illicit trade to protect endangered species from exploitation and abuse.
