Farewell to Salamas: A Tigress We Will Never Forget

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Salamas, our beautiful and brave tigress. After nearly nine months of care at our sanctuary, Salamas has crossed over the rainbow bridge. Her time with us was short, but her impact will be everlasting.

Salamas’ Story

Salamas arrived at WFFT in December 2023, in a devastating condition. She was painfully thin and frail. Despite her weakened state, there was a flicker of hope when she began to gain strength and weight. But sadly, this more than 20-year-old tigress was already too old for a miracle.

Salamas had a 40cm cancerous mass, which had spread to most of her internal organs. Furthermore, her reproductive organs were so damaged they had essentially disintegrated—a cruel consequence of being used to breed countless cubs over the years. Given her frailty, cancer treatment was not an option. Our priority became ensuring she was free from pain and could live out her remaining days in peace.

The Cruelty Behind the Scenes

Salamas’ story is a stark reminder of the hidden cruelty behind tiger petting venues. Female tigers like Salamas are often treated as mere breeding machines, forced to produce cub after cub with no regard for their well-being. Her life before rescue was one of unimaginable hardship, and it is a painful reality that many other tigers still face.

We cannot express enough gratitude to our supporters who rooted for Salamas’ recovery. Without you, she wouldn’t have experienced the sanctuary’s care. While her time with us was all too brief, Salamas left a profound impact on everyone who knew her story. In her final months, she finally got to live as she deserved—with dignity, surrounded by love, and free from the confines of a small cage. She felt the grass beneath her paws, walked in the rain, basked in the sun, and, she was cherished.

Though we mourn the loss of Salamas, we take comfort in knowing her final months were filled with peace and compassion. She reminded us of the importance of our work and the difference that love and care can make, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Salamas, we will never forget you.