Tiger and lion cubs held captive at roadside zoos are often prematurely separated from their mothers and forced into stressful interactions with humans. Because of the cruelty of big-cat breeders and animal-exploiting grifters and the tickets bought by ignorant tourists, most captive-bred lions and tigers never get to engage in anything that’s natural or important to them. And those who manage to survive into adulthood can typically do little more than pace endlessly in barren, too-small enclosures.
In nature, tiger cubs would stay with their mother for as long as two years, allowing ample time for their immune system to develop and for them to acquire the skills that they need to survive. Fully grown, they’d be powerful enough to cross a river miles wide in a matter of minutes.
Instead, as you read this, big cats—along with bears, primates, and other animals—are suffering in deplorable conditions at the hundreds of roadside hellholes that stain the country. Some who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses, severe injuries, or chronic ailments will be denied the veterinary care that they desperately need, while others will slowly waste away behind bars without ever knowing the freedom and autonomy that every animal deserves.
Luna was born at a roadside zoo owned by “Joe Exotic” (aka the “Tiger King” of Netflix infamy). When she was just 1 week old, she was shipped halfway across the country—from Oklahoma to a notorious facility in Florida. There, she was smacked, roughly handled, dragged by the neck, and forced into stressful photo ops with the paying public. No one should suffer this way. Help expose abuse by supporting the PETA Legal Fund with a gift of at least $2.
Lila hardly even looked like a tiger after years spent languishing in a cramped enclosure, suffering from an apparent medical condition that left her nearly bald and gradually wasting away. The Waccatee Zoo in South Carolina, where she was held prisoner, has been cited repeatedly for failing to provide animals with adequate veterinary care. Despite numerous complaints, authorities failed to take action on her behalf, leaving her to die alone in her cage. We’re determined to get the other individuals still suffering at Waccatee out of that horrible place.Help PETA secure a better life for animals with your $2 donation.
Nala, a juvenile lion, had become so thin and lethargic under the “care” of callous cat exhibitor Jeff Lowe that she could barely stir or raise herself from a patch of mud—a condition so obviously dire that federal inspectors stopped in their tracks and ordered Lowe to seek immediate veterinary treatment for her. PETA’s legal team is documenting animal welfare violations at awful facilities and pushing authorities to hold abusers accountable. Support this vital work by donating $2 or more to the PETA Legal Fund today.
The abuse and neglect that animals like Luna, Lila, and Nala endured aren’t just cruel—they’re often illegal. And that’s where PETA’s legal team comes in.
Through our lawsuits challenging violations of the federal Endangered Species Act, regulatory advocacy, and more, our trailblazing lawyers have publicized exhibitors’ deception and cruelty, blown the lid off animal-breeding operations, and arranged the rescue of 75 big cats—including Luna and Nala—from roadside zoos, as well as securing their placement at accredited sanctuaries.
Today, the big-cat exploitation industry is crumbling under the pressure of our campaigns, but there’s still a lot of work to do. By supporting the PETA Legal Fund, you’ll give a real boost to the landmark legal work and hard-hitting campaigns that are providing captive animals with a new lease on life and pushing dismal facilities to shut down. We’ll also send you a free PETA face mask so that you can demonstrate your commitment to animal rights! Please, donate at least $2 right now to help us reach our $20,000 goal by March 31.
Thank you for helping change the way the public—and the law—views animals and their rights.
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