Lola and Mia, two tigers previously subjected to severe neglect in a roadside tourist attraction in Oklahoma, have finally found refuge after enduring years of mistreatment.
This notorious tourist spot was infamously associated with trading tigers with “Tiger King” celebrity Joe Exotic.
The tigers were kept in harsh conditions without access to medical care, signifying a gross violation of animal rights.
The facility was subsequently shut down due to safety and welfare infringements, marking a new chapter in the lives of Lola and Mia.
Their rescue mission led them to the Oakland Zoo in California, a sanctuary that offered them the medical care they had been deprived of.
Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital provided both tigers with the necessary treatment to address their long-neglected health issues.
Lola, who had been suffering from an untreated tooth infection resulting in a facial deformity, underwent successful dental surgery.
On the other hand, Mia had to deal with the aftermath of being declawed as a cub, a procedure likely performed to make her more appealing for tourist photographs.
The rescue came about after a concerned citizen alerted the Oakland Zoo about the plight of these tigers.
The big cats were malnourished and confined in cramped cages filled with feces and dirty water dishes.
Lola and Mia are set to experience a life free from neglect and abuse as they explore the newly renovated tiger exhibit at the Oakland Zoo.
Colleen Kinzley, the Director of Animal Care, Conservation, and Research at the zoo, expressed her anticipation of seeing the tigers enjoy their first walk on the grass and their initial leap into the pool, stating that moments like these validate their work.