Portugal’s Last Circus Tiger Finds a Home in Alicante

The last tiger from a circus in Portugal has been brought to Alicante. A white tigress named Sona spent 16 years in captivity and will now be able to undergo rehabilitation and start a new life.

The animal was used in circus performances starting at the age of three months. Sona was kept in a cramped cage and involved in shows as part of the entertainment program. Following the implementation of Portugal’s ban on using wild animals in circuses, the tigress was taken in by the AAP Foundation. Sona was transported to the animal protection organisation's centre in Villena to undergo rehabilitation after years of mistreatment. AAP emphasizes that Sona's arrival marks "the end of a long struggle against the use of wild animals in Portuguese circuses."

According to experts, Sona bears severe and irreversible consequences from her life in the circus. Her front claws have been declawed—a painful procedure often performed in circuses to make wild animals "safer." The tigress is also missing a canine tooth and has been diagnosed with severe cataracts. Due to years of being kept in a small cage, Sona has weakened muscles and damaged paw pads.

The animal is currently in quarantine and undergoing medical evaluation. "As soon as the test results come back negative, Sona will be released from quarantine and will finally be able to step onto the earth in a natural habitat for the first time in her life," AAP noted.