Trafficked tiger arrives at new 'forever home'

Aqua was being looked after in Spain before coming to Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

A tiger which was rescued from traffickers in eastern Europe has been given a new home in the UK.

Aqua has been brought to Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall, near Bristol, as part of a project to protect threatened carnivores.

He was one of several tigers found at the border between Poland and Belarus in 2019.

Emma Ogborne, a head keeper at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, said: "Aqua's story is one of incredible endurance and resilience."

Before arriving in North Somerset, Aqua spent several years recovering at a rescue centre run by Animal Advocacy and Protection in Spain.

"Building on the successes we have achieved with Project Carnivora, we are thrilled to welcome Aqua and continue inspiring future generations to care for wildlife," added Ms Ogborne.

With Aqua now in his new home, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm will continue fundraising to expand the project.

There are plans to increase the size of the tiger enclosure, and the zoo also hopes to build habitats for arctic foxes and hooded vultures.

The project has already delivered a new lion enclosure for resident lions, mother and son duo, Arusha and Tau.

Aqua was rescued at the border between Poland and Belarus in 2019