Rescue Tiger Appeal
Noah's Ark has set out it's biggest and boldest mission to date, to build a new habitat for a tiger in need of a forever home, Aqua.
Aqua’s journey began in 2019 when he was one of 10 tigers rescued from appalling conditions at the Poland-Belarus border after being trafficked. Sadly, for one of those tigers, it was to much to bear, and they didn't make it.
Rehabilitated in Spain and he is now awaiting his forever home at Noah's Ark.
We are now racing to raise £175,000 to build a special rescue tiger home for Aqua.
With your support, we can build a new enclosure for Aqua, giving him the safe, spacious enriching home he desperately needs.
Aqua's Story
In October 2019, a horse box filled with 10 tigers, was stopped at the border crossing in Koroszczyn, where Belarus border guards found they had insufficient documentation.
The tigers were found in awful conditions, not only physically but mentally. Terrified, cramped, stressed and covered in their own faeces.
For one of the tigers, it was all too much.
The tigers were officially seized and temporarily taken to Poznan zoo. 5 of the tigers (Aqua, Softi, Toph, Merida & Sanson) were then moved to renowned animal charity AAP - where they began their journey of recovery and rehabilitation.
AQUA'S TIMELINE
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2019
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28.10.2019
Transport carrying 10 Tigers was stopped at the border crossing in Koroszczyn, Belarus.
![Aquarescue2019]()
Belarus border guards stopped the transport carrying the tigers as the documents provided were incomplete. The transport was therefore stopped and the truck grounded in a border's parking lot.
One of the tigers sadly died due to incorrect feeding. It was later found that the driver had no experience or license to transport tigers. Therefore, the transport was not allowed to continue.
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31.10.19
9 Tigers were officially seized at the border
![Aquarescue2019 1]()
The tigers were officially seized and temporarily taken to Poznan zoo. They were then distributed to temporary homes. AAP agreed to take the group of 5... Softi, Toph, Merida, Sanson & Aqua.
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2.12.2019
5 Tigers transferred to AAP Primadomus, Spain.
![Aquarescue2019 3]()
The Tigers transferred from Poznan zoo to AAP Primadomus, Spain, quarantine & rehabilitation. Some of the tigers were more stressed than others, some more aggressive, Aqua was among the most stressed tigers of the group.
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2020
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4.5.2020
Tiger Rehabilitation Complete
![MG 1366]()
After months of rehabilitation and care from the caregivers at AAP Primadomus, the tigers had finally began to settle.
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July 2020
Attempted introduction with Sanson
![Aapprimodomusvisitaqua (21)]()
An introduction with Aqua and Sanson was attempted but unfortunately it became clear quickly that they were not a good fit.
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2023
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May 2023
Softi & Toph left for their forever home at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
![Softipoznanzoo]()
Two of the female tigers in the group, Softi & Toph moved from AAP Primadomus, to their forever home at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle Of Wight.
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July 2023
Sanson & Merida moved to their forever home at Pistoia Zoo
![Sanson&Merida]()
After years of rehabilitation at AAP, Sanson and Merida set off to their new home in Pistoia Zoo, Italy.
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2024
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September 2024
Noah's Ark make plans to give Aqua his forever home
![Aapprimodomusvisitaqua (83)]()
In September 2024, Noah's Ark set out plans to build a rescue tiger habitat as part of Project Carnivora, discussing Aqua as a potential fit.
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13..11.24
Noah's Ark Team Visit Aqua in Spain
![AAP1]()
Zoo Curator Chris Wilkinson and head big cat keeper Emma Ogborne flew out to Spain to visit Aqua at AAP Primodomus to find out more about him and see if he would be a good fit.
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Forever Home For Aqua
Here at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Aqua’s new home will provide him with the highest standards of animal care - giving him space, safety and enrichment.
His new habitat has been designed with Aqua’s needs at the centre of the development. Due to Aqua’s love of water, his new home will also feature two pond areas to provide exciting enrichment through physical exercise, enabling him to feel right at home.
How Can You Help
Donate today. Help us provide Aqua with the safe and enriching home he deserves. Every donation, no matter how big or small will make a positive difference.
How will my donations be used?
All donations & Aqua adoptions will be used to build a new tiger enclosure here at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm for Aqua. Donations will also fund ongoing costs such as food and care once Aqua has arrived at his forever home.
Other Ways To Donate
By Phone: To make a donation over the phone using your credit/debit card, please call us on 01275 852606. (Mon - Sun, 9-5)
By Post: If you prefer to donate by post, please send a cheque made out to 'Noah's Ark Zoo Farm' and send it to us at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG.
Get More Involved
Support our Rescue Tiger Appeal and make a big difference. You could:
Fundraise - In your community, school or workplace.
Partner With Us - Get your company or workplace to join the appeal
Spread The Word - Follow us on social media and share our posts with your friends and networks
If you have any questions about our Rescue Tiger Appeal, or would like to find out more about getting more involved give us a call on 01275 852606 or email us at carnivores@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is partnered with renowned animal charity, AAP, for this appeal. AAP rescued Aqua from poor conditions overseas, supporting his rehabilitation before finding his new forever home with us.
FAQ'S - AQUA
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