Rescued Circus Tiger Finds Love Of Her Life

Aug 19, 2019

Aasha, a Bengal tiger, had a difficult start in life. Rescued from a circus when she was just 7 months old in 2011, the little cub had been kept in a cage with a full-grown tiger who often lashed out at the smaller animal. Severely underweight at 37 pounds, Aasha’s coat was also missing large parts of fur due to the neglect and abuse she suffered at the hands of her captors.

Aasha’s life finally took a brighter turn when federal authorities stepped in and removed her from her unhealthy environment. Agents from the U.S. Department of Agriculture later brought the young tiger, who was now 9 months old, to Vicky Keahey, founder of the In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center in Texas.

Vicky told the Dodo that she had never seen a tiger in worse shape before. Federal authorities knew that part of the reason for Aasha’s ill health was the abuse inflicted on her, but they also suspected an underlying medical condition. Indeed, Vicky quickly saw that Aasha had ringworm.

With Aasha’s diagnosis confirmed, Vicky set out to give the little tiger a fighting chance at a good life. Isolating Aasha from other animals, Vicky treated the cub herself. Twice daily, Vicky would give go into Aasha’s enclosure, giving her medication and special baths that treated her skin condition.

Vicky also bonded with Aasha and the young tiger eventually learned to love to play with her rescuers. As time went on, Aasha would come to enjoy her baths, playing in the water as she splashed around. When Aasha had completed her treatment, Vicky put a metal tub into her enclosure so she could continue to enjoy her newfound love of water.

When it came time to introduce Aasha to other tigers, Vicky and her colleagues had the perfect friend in mind for her.

Smuggler is another of In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue’s star residents. The beautiful animal got his name when his previous owners tried to smuggle him into the United States from Mexico. When Smuggler met Aasha, the two immediately got along great. Smuggler happily showed off to Aasha, rubbing up against the cage that separated them. The first meeting went so well that the staff eventually set up a playdate.

Even though Smuggler is three times her size, he got along amazingly well with Aasha. Aasha even showed the bigger tiger her favorite hobby of playing in the water.

With their great bond, Aasha and Smuggler have now lived together in the same enclosure for several years and are the best of friends.

What do you think of Aasha’s relationship with Smuggler? Isn't it nice to think how a life that didn't exactly start out great can still eventually have a happy ending? Tell us your thoughts, and make sure all your animal-loving friends see this story as well.