The Journey of Rescued Tigers - Sandro’s Story of Survival and Strength

From a train carriage in Argentina to a sanctuary in South Africa, Sandro’s remarkable journey reflects resilience and hope.

In San Luis, Argentina, four Bengal tigers, Sandro (born 2004), Mafalda (born 2007) and their sons Messi and Gustavo (born 2011), spent more than 15 years confined to a train carriage. Abandoned by a traveling circus, they were left in the care of a local landowner who did what he could, but the conditions were far from suitable for such animals who yearned for a natural landscape and to feel the grass beneath their paws. Sadly, the cramped carriage became the only world they knew, a place where they grew, lived, and endured with no access to the freedom or space that tigers need.

In March 2022, FOUR PAWS undertook its first-ever rescue mission in South America. After months of planning and coordination, the four tigers were transported across continents to South Africa. Their journey lasted more than 70 hours, but freedom awaited them on the other side at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.

Upon arrival, the family of four was carefully released into species-appropriate enclosures specifically designed to give them the space, comfort, and safety they had so desperately yearned for through the years. Mafalda and Gustavo shared one enclosure, Messi was given his own, and Sandro, due to his age and health concerns, was eventually moved into the tiger Special Care Unit (SCU).

The transition was not easy. Sandro, the eldest, has impaired vision and mobility issues and his claws on the front paws were removed. Initially housed with his son Messi, he became ill a few months after arrival and required emergency medical attention. However, this was something LIONSROCK was well equipped for. The sanctuary boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment, practices, and expertise. Sandro was moved to an enclosure for closer monitoring where he recovered and adapted well.

Meanwhile, his family enjoyed the sanctuary’s open spaces, grass under their paws, and the chance to express natural behaviours for the first time in their lives. Sadly, the years of neglect in Argentina had lasting effects which resulted in the loss of three of the four tigers. All three were soon diagnosed with impaired kidney function and damage that was done over so many years of neglect. Mafalda was euthanised in July 2024 due to kidney failure. The same way we lost Messi in December 2024 and Gustavo in July 2025. Each loss was felt by all who followed their remarkable story, but LIONSROCK takes great comfort in the carefree life it was able to provide the tigers during their time at the sanctuary in their final years. Today, Sandro remains the sole survivor of the Train Tigers. Aged 21, his impaired vision and mobility challenges mean he requires close medical supervision, but he continues to show remarkable strength. Sandro’s spirits remain high as he still enjoys his weekly enrichment activity and often gives his animal caretakers a friendly chuff when they arrive to provide the care he needs.

Sandro continues to live under the dedicated watch of the LIONSROCK team, a living testament to resilience and the power of second chances. "Sandro’s resilience is extraordinary. Despite everything he endured, he continues to thrive under our care. His story reminds us why we fight for every animal’s right to live with dignity," said Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.

For more information, please visit our website at www.lionsrock.org