Rescue Tigers Jasper and Jade
A story of rescue, tragedy, and sanctuary
From a troubled park to a place of peace, the journey of tiger siblings Jade and Jasper reflects both the urgency of rescue and the lasting impact of responsible animal care.
Born in Captivity
Jasper and Jade were born in 2013 at the Seaview Predator Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. From the beginning, the two tigers were inseparable, sharing their enclosure and forming a strong sibling bond.
A Tragic Incident Spurs Urgent Action
In June 2021, Jade and Jasper were transferred to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary under emergency circumstances. Just one week before the move, Jasper managed to escape from his poorly secured enclosure and entered a neighbouring one in an attempt to reach a female in heat. The tragic consequences of this escape led to the death of a staff member and the male tiger housed in that enclosure.
Investigations revealed that the fencing throughout the privately-owned facility was in a dangerously deteriorated condition, offering little to no protection against escapes. The general mismanagement of the park’s big cats had created an unsafe environment for both animals and humans.
A Life-Saving Intervention
Following the incident, the park owners intended to euthanise Jasper. However, another animal welfare organisation intervened and urgently appealed to LIONSROCK to offer him refuge. We agreed—on the condition that Jade, Jasper’s lifelong companion, would also be surrendered to us.
Ultimately, the owners of the Seaview Predator Park decided to close the facility and relocate all remaining big cats to other sanctuaries. Later that year, in October 2021, LIONSROCK also welcomed two lions from the park, Samson and Tom.
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Farewell to Jasper
After arriving at LIONSROCK, Jasper received expert care and a safe environment for recovery and healing. Sadly, in 2024, he was diagnosed with a bone tumour. Despite undergoing orthopaedic surgery and receiving intensive post-operative care, Jasper passed away in March 2024 due to unforeseen complications.
His story remains a powerful reminder of the consequences of inadequate animal management and the importance of providing sanctuaries where big cats can live with dignity, safety, and respect.
