Bristol home for tiger found on Polish border

A tiger found on the Poland-Belarus border will soon have a new life at a zoo in Bristol.

Aqua will be welcomed by Noah's Ark Zoo Farm this summer, and the zoo is currently trying to raise £175,000 to help build a special tiger habitat.

He was discovered in a stressed state in 2019 alongside several other tigers during a border check while being transported across Europe.

"His story is one of survival and resilience," said Larry Bush, the zoo's director.

The charity said the animals had suffered "appalling conditions" during the journey.

Mr Bush added: "Meeting Aqua has been transformative for our team, he's truly captured the hearts of the team here."

It is believed the tigers had been illegally traded.

Aqua was first cared for by Spanish animal welfare charity AAP Primadomus at their rescue centre in Villena, and is known for his love of water.

Aqua's new habitat will include secluded woodland and two pond areas where he can exercise, the zoo said.

He is being taken in as part of the zoo's Project Carnivora, which also includes adding Arctic foxes and vultures to the zoo's collection and extending its lion enclosure.

Work on Project Carnivora is expected to be completed in the spring.

Pablo Delgado, from AAP Primadomus, said: "In Noah's Ark Zoo Farm we found the ideal partner to offer Aqua a new and forever home."

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