NC tiger sanctuary rescues 5 big cats in Honduras, flies them home to safety
Five tigers rescued in Central America have a new home in North Carolina.
“Carolina Tiger Rescue is proud to announce that all five tigers rescued from a facility in Honduras have safely arrived at our GFAS-accredited sanctuary in Pittsboro,” sanctuary officials said on social media Friday. GFAS is short for Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
The rescue of eight big cats, including lions, was called Operation Flight to Sanctuary. The Little French Key sanctuary in Honduras cared for the animals for several years but wanted to get them to centers that could provide the best care possible, Carolina Tiger Rescue officials said.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas welcomed three lions as part of the rescue.
“All eight big cats will receive exceptional veterinary care, species-specific enrichment, thoughtful nutrition, and access to large, naturalistic habitats that only true sanctuaries can provide,” according to Carolina Tiger Rescue.
“Stay tuned as we share behind-the-scenes looks at the rescue, updates throughout their quarantine periods, and the next steps as they prepare to be introduced to their new habitats,” officials said.