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Oakland Zoo Cares for Tiger from Shut-Down Sanctuary
10 Jul
Summary
- A rescued tiger named Sitara is recovering at Oakland Zoo.
- Sitara was saved from a sanctuary shut down due to welfare violations.
- The zoo is rehabilitating Sitara, who had never before experienced enrichment.
A female tiger named Sitara, approximately 13 years old, has been relocated to the Oakland Zoo following the forced shutdown of the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation. This sanctuary faced closure in early 2025 due to documented animal welfare violations, leading to a PETA lawsuit that resulted in the relinquishment of five tigers.
Sitara is currently in a rehabilitation phase at the zoo, receiving care for lameness in her left hind leg. She has access to a nighthouse and a new outdoor habitat featuring pools and vegetation, elements previously unavailable to her. This placement is part of a broader initiative to rehome tigers rescued from the defunct foundation.
Two male tigers from the same rescue group were transferred to the Performing Animal Welfare Society in Sacramento County, and a third male to a refuge in Arkansas. Sadly, an elderly female tiger from the group succumbed to end-stage arthritis and spinal disease despite intensive care.
Oakland Zoo emphasizes that these rescues align with their broader mission against wildlife exploitation. Sitara's arrival fills the enclosure after the passing of the zoo's previous tigers, Mia and Lola, earlier this year.
