Popular Isle of Wight attraction welcomes two new tigers next week

The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown, previously known as the Isle of Wight Zoo and Sandown Zoo, will welcome Softi and Toph, two female tigers who have endured tragic lives after being bred in captivity in Italy.

In October 2019, they were found in small crates outside a suspected circus HQ just outside Rome in the back of a horse box, starving, dehydrated, injured and covered in excrement, destined for a Russian zoo in Dagestan which had 'already been closed down'.

The following video contains confronting images that some viewers may find difficult to view.

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Another tiger had sadly succumbed to the conditions and was discovered dead in her cage.

They were confiscated at the Polish/Belarussian border and have been cared for since at a sanctuary in Spain, which will continue under the Island’s animal care time.

The future for both tigers looks a lot brighter as The Wildheart Sanctuary, which made its initial announcement in January, has confirmed that the team await their arrival next Friday (April 28).

From left, Toph and Softi will arrive at The Wildheart Sanctuary next week (Image: The Wildheart Sanctuary)

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Softi and Toph are now around six years old, and the team has been busy preparing for their arrival, looking forward to providing the care and attention they need.

Posting on Facebook, The Wildheart Sanctuary said: “After unavoidable logistical delays, we are really pleased to announce that Softi and Toph will be arriving on Friday, April 28.

“Their hugely anticipated arrival follows months of preparation and planning, so we hope you are excited as we are to finally welcome these two into their forever home.”