Tajmir’s story begins in 2013, when he was born at a big cat breeding facility in Czechia. Just two years later, he was transferred to a private owner, a move that would mark the beginning of a long and challenging chapter in his life. The conditions Tajmir was kept in were far from acceptable. Not only was he held without the proper legal documentation, but the environment failed to meet even the most basic standards required by Czech law. Despite repeated warnings, the owner refused to make improvements, prompting the authorities to intervene and confiscate Tajmir. Sadly, the situation worsened when the owner faced financial prolems and lost his property to foreclosure in March 2025. Tajmir was abandoned, left behind without proper care. In April 2025, Zoo Liberec was finally able to take in Tiger Tajmir, providing temporary care until a permanent home could be found for him.

When the 12 your old tiger arrived at Zoo Liberec, his physical condition reflected the years of inadequate treatment he had suffered. He was underweight, malnourished, and tested positive for salmonella, a clear sign of poor hygiene and nutrition. Perhaps most heartbreaking were the stereotypical behaviours he exhibited, repetitive movements often seen in animals under extreme stress. These signs painted a picture of a tiger who had not only been physically neglected but emotionally traumatised. Thankfully, the team at Zoo Liberec acted quickly. Tajmir was treated for his infection and began receiving a carefully tailored diet, along with supplements to support his recovery. It was the beginning of a healing process that would continue at FELIDA, where he could finally receive the specialised, lifelong care he so desperately needed.

 On the 4^th of September, after weeks of preparation and coordination, our team set off for Zoo Liberec with everything needed for a safe and smooth transfer. From veterinary supplies to surveillance equipment and essential transport documentation. Tajmir had been crate trained in advanced and to everyone’s delight, he walked calmly into the transport crate on his own, eliminating the need for anaesthesia. After a 9 hour journey, with multiple check ups along the way, Tajmir safely arrived at FELIDA in the evening. Monitored closely throughout the trip, he remained calm and patient. When the crate door opened, he stepped into his new indoor enclosure without hesitation. Tajmir explored his new space with curiosity, checked out his hammock and even accepted a few bites of meat from his new caretakers before settling in for the night.

For the first few days, tiger Tajmir remains indoors during his adaptation period, giving our team the opportunity to observe him closely, build trust and ensure his health continues to improve. His indoor enclosure is designed to be a place of comfort and rest, filled with natural light, relaxing areas and stimulating enrichment to keep him engaged. As winter approaches, Tajmir will benefit from heated walls. A warm welcome change after years spent exposed to the harsh Czech climate. Soon, he will be introduced to his outdoor enclosure, where he will have access to a pond, climbing structure, and plenty of space to roam around. It’s a place where he can rediscover what it means to be a tiger: to play, explore and simply live without fear or pain.