Two years after being rescued from a war zone in Ukraine, a white tiger named Aleks has taken his first steps on grass at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, marking a major milestone in his recovery.
Rescue and journey to the UK
Aleks was found in a residential yard in Kharkiv by military volunteers and initially moved to a wild animal rescue centre. His owner is presumed dead. It took 18 months to get permission to transport him 1,630 miles to his new home, Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in Friskney, near Boston, where he arrived in February this year.
Health challenges and PTSD
Steve Nichols, CEO of the park, said Aleks was 'on the verge of death' when he arrived, with badly inflamed skin, bald patches, an inability to stand on his hind legs, and a digestive system in disarray. The tiger also suffers from PTSD due to the trauma of bombing, with every noise causing fear.
Shortly after arrival, the team discovered Aleks was infested with parasites, including the 'biggest tapeworm they had ever seen', which was handed over to Lincoln University for study.
Recovery and future plans
Five months on, Aleks is moving in a positive direction. His biggest achievement is finally putting his paws on grass again. Steve added, 'He's been through more than a tiger should have ever gone through but he's come out of it.' The team estimates Aleks is between five and six years old, with a potential lifespan of up to sixteen years in captivity. He will eventually be introduced to other tigers at the zoo and matched with a 'friend', but not for breeding purposes.
