A big cat sanctuary in Bethlehem, Free State, is celebrating the four-year anniversary of a remarkable rescue mission that brought four abandoned tigers from South America to South Africa.
In March 2022, LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, operated by international animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, coordinated the rescue of the tigers, who were confined to a small train carriage.
Tiger Rescue Mission
The tigers, named Sandro, Mafalda, and their two sons, Messi and Gustavo, were formerly part of a travelling circus and were abandoned in Luis, Argentina, in 2021.
FOUR PAWS stepped in to transport the tigers to their new forever home in South Africa, where they were placed in enclosures designed to meet their physical and behavioural needs.
Where Are They Now?
Unfortunately, Mafalda passed away in July 2024, followed by Messi five months later, and Gustavo in July 2025. Sandro, now 21, is the only surviving tiger and is receiving medical treatment and care for his fragile health.
According to LIONSROCK, Sandro suffers from impaired vision, arthritis, and mobility complications, but remains engaged and active.
The sanctuary says Sandro’s resilience is a testament to the big cats’ ability to thrive despite human brutality.
Here are some key facts about the Train Tigers:
- The tigers were rescued from a 75m² train carriage in South America.
- They were transported to South Africa in March 2022.
- The tigers were placed in enclosures designed to meet their physical and behavioural needs.
- Sandro is the only surviving tiger and is receiving medical treatment and care.
For more information about LIONSROCK’s mission, visit their website at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.
To learn more about the work of FOUR PAWS, visit their website at FOUR PAWS.
