Nova is a female tiger estimated to be about 4-5 months old when she arrived at the sanctuary in September of 2022.
At the time, we were just launching our annual Tigerthon campaign with so many festivities planned. But when we got a call that a tiger was in need, we dropped everything to arrange a quick rescue. It was a last minute cross country trip we hadn’t planned on but were happy to do in order to ensure her a new sanctuary life.
Nova came to us as part of our Tiger Amnesty Program. This is designed to allow owners or authorities to surrender a wild cat without their background or circumstances made public. In this way, it encourages those who’ve made a mistake acquiring a wild cat, or authorities who have possession of one, to place with us so the wild cat can enjoy sanctuary life.
It’s been a couple of years since we’ve had a young tiger cub at the sanctuary, and we almost forgot just how rambunctious they can be! Nova had a ball – literally – playing in her travel crate with a red ball we brought for the ride. She has tons of energy and may just beat tiger Dash in that department!
Life at the Sanctuary
While on the road, caretakers back at the sanctuary were preparing a special habitat for Nova in our Quarantine section. She had tons of toys, a hammock, lots of bedding, and she loved exploring every bit of it.
She was seen by our onsite veterinarian and received her vaccines along with a brief visual exam. At this young age, it was easy to distract her with a stuffed animal toy and a bottle so he could do his exam.
Then, it was back to playing with everything she could get her paws on! She was able to go outside and take a peek at her neighbors. This is probably the first time she’s seen other wild cats. So many new and exciting experiences await this little girl.
How You Can Help
When we take in a wild cat this young, we know it’s a very expensive 20+ year commitment we’re making to them. That’s why our sponsorship program is so vital, helping in many ways so Nova can grow up to be the strong, confident apex predator she’s meant to be.
If you’d like to be her sponsor parent, it’s easy. You’ll find a button on the top of this page to click. Thank you!
