Texas Tiger Found Wandering Neighborhood Arrives at Black Beauty Ranch

The Texas tiger that was wandering a residential neighborhood recently in Houston has been safely caught and is at a new home, Black Beauty Ranch, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reports.

Source: KPRC 2 Click2Houston/YouTube

Houston authorities tracked the tiger, India, and ensured his safety. India was taken from his home and is now resting comfortably. India is approximately 9 months old and will quarantine for 30 days for safety. The young tiger was recently moved into a larger 1/2 acre habitat in the sanctuary and is doing well, according to an email from HSUS.

Noelle Almrud, senior director of Black Beauty, part of the Humane Society of the United States, commented, “India is a confident boy, and in his large space he is relishing in his freedom, and acting like the curious, lively young tiger he is.” Almrud continued, “He is having a great time in his pool, particularly batting at the waterspout, and spending time exploring the hills, platforms and other enrichment– including a big red ball he ambushes as he leaps from behind bushes to try to get it.”

Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said, “We’re relieved India is safe. We cannot have dangerous wild animals roaming neighborhoods or living in people’s homes. Forcing these animals to live under such conditions, confined and treated as a ‘pet’ is inhumane and a serious public safety risk—no matter how ‘cute’ or ‘tame’ the animal may seem. Big cats like India express natural, unpredictable behaviors that can occur at any moment. Situations like this are why we are working to pass federal legislation. The Big Cat Public Safety Act would prohibit keeping big cats as pets.”

Black Beauty has taken in a few cats recently, three months ago the sanctuary took in the tiger, Elsa.

“Houston authorities did a remarkable job over the past several days to locate India and to ensure the safety of the public and the animal,” Almrud said. “Black Beauty Ranch will provide safe sanctuary for him and give him a proper diet, enrichment, an expansive naturally wooded habitat where he can safely roam and will provide everything else he needs to be the healthy wild tiger he deserves to be,” shared Noelle Almrud, senior director of Black Beauty.

Big cats are known to do exceptionally poorly in captivity. Cubs used for photo ops are often taken from their mothers at an early age and also suffer psychologically as a result. Responsible facilities that house these animals must provide extensive enrichment, species-appropriate habitat, acreage of roaming space, and most importantly, high-security containment to protect both animal and human lives. The general public simply cannot provide this level of care in a household, which is why big cat “pet” stories nearly always end in disaster. 

The growing public disapproval of big cat zoos has prompted renewed calls to pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act.

Take action to protect big cats here! You can also sign this petition to Support the Big Cat Public Safety Act!

Related Content:

• Help Pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act This Week
• PETA Calls out Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion for Using Big Cats in New Music Video
• Carol Baskin’s Sanctuary Big Cat Rescue Granted Control of Joe Exotic’s Former Zoo
• Blackfish Director Pushes for Big Cat Public Safety Act with Support from Major Celebs like Joaquin Phoenix and Many More!
• Tiger King: The Story Netflix Neglected to Tell You About Captivity and Exploitation of Endangered Tigers
• Tiger King Star Jeff Lowe’s Zoo Was Raided by Authorities