The animal, which was found in dire conditions at the Poland-Belarus border, is set to be relocated to the UK this summer, six years after its rescue.
"His story is one of survival and resilience," said Larry Bush, the zoo's director, as quoted by BBC.
According to the zoo on social media, he was among the trafficked tigers found in distress during a border check after being trafficked and later rehabilitated in Spain.
Now awaiting a permanent home, Aqua is at the heart of the zoo’s most ambitious mission yet.
Earlier this week, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm announced plans to build a dedicated sanctuary for him and launched a public fundraising campaign to raise £175,000 (approximately €42,120 or $43,780) for a specialized habitat featuring secluded woodland and ponds to suit his love of water.
The move is part of the zoo’s broader Project Carnivora, which also includes expanding its lion enclosure and introducing Arctic foxes and vultures.
RESCUE TIGER APPEAL 🐯 Earlier this week we announced our biggest and boldest mission. To build a forever home for a...
Opublikowany przez Noah's Ark Zoo Farm Czwartek, 27 lutego 2025
In 2019, a transport of 10 tigers became stranded at the Poland-Belarus border near Koroszczyn, eastern Poland. One of the animals did not survive, but Aqua was among the nine that endured the harsh journey from Italy to Russia in unsuitable conditions. The case led to charges against the transport organizer, two drivers, and two veterinarians.
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Source: BBC/facebook.com/noahsarkzoo/X/@W4W_Int