In August 2017, a two month old tiger cub was rescued from smugglers attempting to transport it across the border from Mexico to the United States. The tiger was sent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where it remained under the facilities care until June 2018. The cub, named Moka, is a bengal tiger hybrid, and is not conducive for the zoo's species survival breeding program. Lions Tigers & Bears - San Diego's only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary - was asked by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife Service to provide Moka with a permanent home. Moka was transferred to Lions Tigers & Bears in June 2018, and shortly after adjusting to his new home, was introduced to a white tiger cub of similar age, named Nola, who was rescued by our team in December 2017.
Moka quickly adjusted to his new home at our sanctuary, and he and his friend Nola are inseparable. They absolutely love playing, wrestling, swimming and romping together in their spacious habitats.
It isn't often that captive bred tigers like Moka wind up with a happy ending. Luckily for him, he is living his best life at our sanctuary, and we are so happy to be able to provide him with the compassionate care he deserves.
