Aasha, a Bengal tiger, endured nine grueling months as a circus performer before being rescued by a wildlife center. Years later, the once frail and undernourished tiger is thriving and has found joy with a new companion.
In March 2011, Vicky Keahey, founder of the In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center in Texas, received an urgent call from the US Department of Agriculture about a young tiger in dire condition. “I couldn’t believe how small a 9-month-old tiger could be,” Vicky shared with The Dodo.
Aasha had been part of a traveling circus, where she was bullied by other tigers and suffered from a severe case of ringworm, which stunted her growth.
When Aasha arrived at In-Sync Exotics, she was in poor health. “She was nearly bald,” said Angela Culver, the center’s media director, in an interview with The Epoch Times.
Weighing just 37 pounds, far below the normal weight for a tiger her age, Aasha was about the size of a bobcat. Her condition was alarming, and she required immediate care.
Vicky Keahey, who took a personal interest in Aasha’s recovery, recalled the challenges of treating such a fragile animal.
Aasha needed daily medicated baths to treat her ringworm, a task she did not enjoy. “She wasn’t keen on the baths at first,” Keahey explained. “But I knew I had to help her get better, even if it meant facing her sharp claws and teeth.”
Despite the challenges, Aasha began to improve. Her fur started growing back within a few months, and her health stabilized.
After eight months of care, Aasha looked like a healthy tiger again. Then, Keahey and her team decided to introduce Aasha to another tiger, Smuggler, who was twice her size.
The introduction went well, and the two tigers quickly formed a bond. After several successful meetings, Aasha and Smuggler were moved into the same enclosure.
Although Smuggler is much larger, he respects Aasha’s space, and the two have become close companions.
Today, Aasha has fully recovered and enjoys a happy life with Smuggler by her side. “She has blossomed into a stunning young lady who loves her life with Smuggler,” said Culver.
Aasha’s story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the dedication of those who work to save them.
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