A life in the spotlight
Sona was kept as a pet by the circus owner’s family from when he was just three months old. Later on, he was used in a disappearing act in the circus itself. He lived in a small trailer, with nothing more than a bathtub for his sleeping area.
His life was completely removed from the basic needs of a wild animal. He was subjected to degrading conditions, with little care for his physical or mental welfare.
A long awaited rescue
We first received reports about Sona’s situation from visitors to the circus in 2018. The authorities could not intervene, because at that time it was still legal in Portugal to keep tigers in a circus.
However, partly thanks to AAP’s advocacy efforts, Portugal approved a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, effective from July 2025. From that moment on, the circus was required to cooperate in handing Sona over, or the animal would be confiscated.
After extensive negotiations, his owner finally agreed. Sona was able to travel safely to our facilities in Spain.
Health monitoring
Years spent in the circus have clearly impacted Sona’s health. Upon his arrival at our rescue centre, we noticed that he was missing one of his front canines and that his tongue hung visibly to one side. Pending a full examination, he appears to have cataracts and shows very weak musculature in his hips and legs, most likely caused by a lifetime of restricted movement. This has also led to injuries on the pads of his paws, which are very sensitive due to only spending time indoors.
Most concerning of all, Sona’s front paws have been fully declawed. This practice, common in big cats used in the entertainment industry, involves amputating the first phalanx to prevent the claws from growing back, making interactions with the public “safer.” It is an extremely painful procedure that causes lifelong consequences.
At AAP, we are determined to give Sona the care he needs. We are giving his delicate paws time to get used to different types of ground, starting with placing straw in his quarantine facility as soft material to lie and walk on. Sona was clearly not used to this, as he was initially afraid to step on the straw. However, he soon settled down.
Monitoring at AAP
Sona is now safe at our rescue centre, although he arrived very nervous. His former owners warned that he does not like cameras and is easily frightened. He will now be able to rest in AAP’s quarantine area, where he will gradually adapt to new routines and become familiar with his surroundings.
During this period, faecal and urine samples are collected for parasitological and bacteriological analysis. Once he is more settled, a thorough veterinary examination will be carried out to assess all the long-term effects of his past. Pending negative test results, the most anticipated moment will arrive: Sona leaving quarantine and stepping, for the first time in his life, onto natural ground.
Video: the rescue of tiger Sona
Towards a European ban
Sona’s story is not an isolated one. That is why, beyond the progress made in individual countries, AAP continues to advocate for an EU-wide ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. Our goal is to ensure that no animal ever has to endure the suffering that Sona has experienced throughout his life.
