ISLAMABAD: A remarkable story of resilience and hope unfolded on Wednesday after Baboo the tiger, rescued from the clutches of exotic pet traders, safely completed its journey for a new life in South Africa.

Baboo, the Bengal tiger cub, had been under the dedicated care of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and Second Chance Wildlife (SCW) at the Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Islamabad since it was rescued on December 7, 2022.

The cub was found at a local Islamabad veterinarian’s office in dire straits at the tender age of four months. It was suffering from severe malnourishment and had over 10 bone fractures in its body.

The IWMB, in consultation with experts from the Aspinall Foundation in South Africa, seized control of the tiger and commenced with providing intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. This included a tailored diet supplemented with Osnate D, calcium powder, pro-biotics and crushed eggshells, along with daily physical therapy in a specially prepared cage with sunlight exposure.

The board said after seven weeks of constant care, Baboo showed remarkable improvement, gaining the ability to stand and move around his specially-designed hospital enclosure, eventually transitioning to a larger enclosure as his mobility advanced.

In mid-2023, the minister for climate change, recognising the cub’s need for a more suitable long-term habitat, advised against using Baboo as an exhibit and recommended that it be relocated to a suitable sanctuary abroad.

Subsequently, the IWMB and The Aspinall Foundation partnered with Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary in South Africa’s Free State Province, selecting it as Baboo’s ethical forever home.

Baboo, now 17 months old and weighing over 70kg, safely completed his extensive journey to South Africa which included a road transfer to Islamabad International Airport, two international flights and then a lengthy road transfer from Tambo International Airport in South Africa to Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary. Baboo will join another rescued female tiger at Isindile.

“This was in the best interest of Baboo. Its enclosure at the only rescue and rehabilitation centre (old Islamabad zoo) - the only of its kind in the country - was becoming cramped for a full grown tiger,” IWMB chairperson Rina Saeed Khan said.

Rina Saeed Khan said Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary was an ethical, registered non-profit big cat sanctuary which provided a forever home to big cats in need.

As a newly-established sanctuary, Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary had previously rescued three lions and two tigers from precarious circumstances.

“They pride themselves in having natural enclosures of a very high standard and ensuring that all animals in their care are treated with dignity and respect. Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary currently has a lone female tiger called Amber, whose enclosure is located adjacent to Baboo’s new enclosure, so it is hoped that these two will eventually share a special bond.”

She said Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary was located in the beautiful Witteberg mountains of the Eastern Free State Province of South Africa. Baboo would have a 10 hectare enclosure with specially-built platforms and a splash pool.

“From his enclosure, he has a 360 degree view over the valley, Witteberg mountains and into Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains,” she added.

A short video shared by the IWMB showed Baboo released into its new enclosure and getting acquainted, with beautiful green rolling hills in the background.

In a statement shared by Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary, “Our aim is to elevate global awareness through strategic press engagement regarding the transportation of Baboo, the Bengal tiger, to South Africa. This initiative not only highlights the compassionate and proactive conservation efforts of IWMB, Second Chance Wildlife, the Aspinall Foundation and Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary but also serves to enhance the international image of the government of Pakistan as a committed participant in global wildlife conservation.”

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2024