Hope After Hardship: LIONSROCK Celebrates Sandro’s Rescueversary

From a train carriage in Argentina to specialised care in Bethlehem, Free State.

Bethlehem, 04 March 2026 – LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, operated by global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, is marking a significant milestone: the Rescueversary of Sandro, the last surviving member of the group once known as the ‘Train Tigers’. After more than 15 years confined to a cramped train carriage in Argentina, Sandro’s journey to healing continues under the dedicated care of the LIONSROCK Animal Welfare team.

Sandro, born in 2004, spent most of his life in a 75m² train carriage with three other tigers, Mafalda, Messi and Gustavo, after a travelling circus abandoned them in San Luis, Argentina. With nothing but concrete floors, metal bars and leftover food scraps, their world remained unchanged for over a decade. In March 2022, FOUR PAWS carried out its first-ever South American rescue mission, transporting all four tigers across continents in a 70-hour journey to their new home in South Africa.

A new life in Bethlehem: Recovery after years of neglect
Upon arrival at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, the tigers were placed into enclosures designed to meet their physical and behavioural needs. Due to his age and fragile health, Sandro was soon relocated to the Tiger Special Care Unit, where he could be monitored closely and supported.

In addition to his known impaired vision, Sandro has arthritis in both elbows and continues to experience complications related to having been declawed early in life. Declawing, a painful and damaging procedure, can lead to lifelong issues such as misalignment, altered gait and chronic joint strain, all of which contribute to his mobility challenges. Over the years, he has also undergone two dental procedures to alleviate and prevent further deterioration.

Several months, after his arrival, Sandro became seriously ill and required emergency veterinary intervention. Following intensive treatment, he stabilised and continues to benefit from tailored medical support suited to his age and condition. While Sandro recovered, his family experienced the spacious enclosures, natural vegetation and freedom of LIONSROCK for the first time in their lives. However, the long-term effects of chronic neglect proved irreversible: all three tigers were diagnosed with severe kidney disease. LIONSROCK mourned the losses of Mafalda in July 2024, Messi in December 2024, and Gustavo in July 2025. Today, Sandro remains the sole survivor of the ‘Train Tigers’, a living testament to resilience and specialised sanctuary care.

Reflecting on his progress, Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, shared: “Sandro’s resilience is extraordinary. Despite everything he endured, he continues to thrive under our care. She has previously highlighted the remarkable adaptability shown by the group during their first year at LIONSROCK: “These animals are so resilient. After they received special care and rehabilitation at LIONSROCK for a year now, they have become relaxed and have grown into their personalities. At first, we were worried about the oldest tiger, Sandro, because of his age and some health issues, but just like the other three, he adapted really well to the new environment.” Her reflections highlight Sandro’s determination and the tireless efforts of the sanctuary’s Animal Welfare team to ensure his comfort, safety and emotional wellbeing.

Looking Ahead: A future of care, comfort and Dignity

Now 21 years old, Sandro continues to receive round‑the‑clock geriatric care.

That includes:

• tailored nutrition to support kidney and joint health
• advance pain management for arthritis
• regular medical observation, with close monitoring of mobility and behaviour
• sensory-appropriate enrichment adapted to his impaired vision and physical limitations

Despite his challenges, Sandro remains engaged and active. He often greets caretakers with a soft chuff, a friendly vocalisation that signals trust, a powerful reminder of how far he has come from the dark, confined train carriage that once defined his life.

As LIONSROCK marks Sandro’s Rescueversary, the sanctuary reaffirms its commitment to providing him with a peaceful, dignified and pain-free life: a life shaped by compassion, expertise and respect for his individual needs.

For more information, please visit our website lionsrock.org

Author: Deidre Daniels.