VIER PFOTEN

The Rescue of Slovakia’s Last Circus Tigers 🐅 🇸🇰 The journey to freedom was long for Samba and Kenya. For 14 years, these circus tigresses endured life in cramped trailer cages, even after they were no longer used for performances.  Now, a new chapter begins for the last two circus tigers in Slovakia, who have finally found a species-appropriate home at FOUR PAWS’ FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands. 🇳🇱 After their owner voluntarily surrendered them to FOUR PAWS, the tigresses were successfully transported to their new residence—a place where they have expansive space to roam and the freedom to recover, supported by intensive and specialised care. 🐾 Sadly, their journey was meant to include a third tiger, Princess, who suffered from severe health issues likely caused by unethical breeding practices and poor keeping conditions. Despite every effort, her state deteriorated, and she had to be relieved from her suffering before the transfer. 💔 Slovakia has taken an important stand by banning wild animals in circuses and denying entry to circuses that keep big cats. Yet, countries like Germany still allow big cats to be confined to enclosures as small as 12m² indoors and 50m² outdoors—a stark contrast to their vast natural habitats. 🚫🎪 Help us raise awareness and push for stronger protections. No animal should suffer for entertainment.  Support Kenya and Samba’s recovery here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d_XDE5jc #TigerRescue #ProtectWildAnimals #AnimalWelfare #FOURPAWS #RuthlessTrade #Slovakia 

What Does It Take to Rescue a Big Cat? 🐅🦺 Rescuing wild animals from a life of suffering isn’t just about moving them from one place to another—it’s a meticulously planned operation requiring expertise, teamwork, and patience. Take Kenya and Samba, the last circus tigers in Slovakia. After years confined to a circus trailer, they have finally been given a second chance at a species-appropriate home at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands. But getting them there was no simple task. What goes into a rescue? 🩺 Health and Safety First – Wild animal veterinarians carefully assess the animals before and during transport to ensure their well-being. 🚛 Specialist Transport – Every step of their 12-hour journey from Slovakia was planned to minimise stress, with scheduled stops for vet checks. 🤝 Team Coordination – FOUR PAWS teams work alongside local and national authorities, expert transporters, and sanctuary caretakers to ensure a seamless transition. 🏡 Sanctuary Readiness – Before Kenya and Samba arrived, FELIDA’s caretakers prepared their new home with enrichment, cosy hammocks, and trust-building training. For Ariane Aquilina, Wild Animal Rescue & Advocacy Project Manager, every rescue is an emotional journey. Though challenges are present, the reward of seeing these animals finally safe, cared for, and able to heal is priceless. ❤️ The tigresses’ long journey symbolises hope, not just for them but for every wild animal still waiting for their rescue. 🐾 📢 Have more questions? Drop them in the comments—our experts are happy to share their insights! 📰 Read the full story of the rescue here: https://lnkd.in/dUnBjftK #BigCatRescue #WildAnimalConservation #FELIDABigCatSanctuary #AnimalWelfare #RescueMission 

How to keep your dog's paws healthy through winter 🐶🐾❄️ Winter walks can be fun, but they can also be tough on your dog's paws. Road salt, gravel, and ice can cause irritation, wounds, and inflammation—making it essential to take proactive steps to keep their paws comfortable and healthy. Watch for signs of paw pain: 🐾 Limping or holding up paws: A sign of discomfort from irritation or injuries. 🛑 Refusing to move: Reluctance to walk may indicate painful paws. 👅 Excessive licking: This can lead to inflamed paws or eczema and should be addressed quickly. Prevent and protect: ➡️ Apply paw protection cream (avoid tea tree oil) ➡️ Steer clear of heavily salted or gravel-covered areas ➡️ Clean and dry paws after every walk ➡️ Consider winter dog shoes for extra protection At home, regularly inspect their paws for any signs of irritation. Treat small wounds with a wound ointment, and when in doubt, consult your vet for guidance.🐶❤️ Get more tips here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dX2PTxPp #DogCare #WinterWalks #Winter #PawProtection 📸 © FOUR PAWS | Christopher Koch

Exciting News: FOUR PAWS Documentary “Eating the Future" has been officially invited to the Paris International Film Festival on February 6th! 🇫🇷🌍 From animal suffering to environmental destruction, this eye-opening documentary explores the harsh realities of our food system. while offering a hopeful vision for a sustainable and compassionate future. 🌱 Narrated by BAFTA-winning actress Mia McKenna-Bruce, the film features powerful interviews with farmers, scientists, activists, and even slaughterhouse workers. "Eating the Future" challenges us to rethink what’s on our plates and demand change for a more sustainable and compassionate future. 📍 Watch it in Paris on February 6th 🎞️ See the trailer here: https://lnkd.in/dQuVnWgn Factory farming is eating up our future, but together, we can build a kinder, more sustainable food system. Will you be part of the change? 💚 #EatingTheFuture #ParisFilmFestival #Sustainability #AnimalWelfare #FoodSystems #StopFactoryFarming #ClimateAction 📸 FOUR PAWS & S. Magnolia Gatti/Wildlight 

Orangutan Gonda’s Journey from Orphan to Forest King 🦧🌿  Gonda’s story is one of immense loss, but also a testament to the power of resilience, hope and rehabilitation. In 2017, he was found as a baby by farmers, crying next to his deceased mother in an oil palm plantation. The farmers took care of him before eventually being rescued and brought to the ORANGUTAN FOREST SCHOOL in Borneo. This unique programme, run by FOUR PAWS’ partner Yayasan Jejak Pulang in cooperation with the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, provides orphaned orangutans with the skills they need to one day return to the wild. It’s not just about rescue—it’s about rehabilitation and restoring natural behaviours. 🍃 Now eight years old, Gonda has grown into one of the strongest orangutans at the school, showing remarkable health and vitality, and inspiring other orangutans to follow him in search of food. But he’s also known for his playful and mischievous nature—he enjoys teasing staff and taking over nests of other orangutans! 🥭 “‘Orangutanise’ the caregivers, don’t humanise the orangutans”, is Dr. Signe Preuschoft’s philosophy at the sanctuary. Bornean Orangutans are critically endangered. By supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts, we can give them a second chance at the life they deserve. 💚 Read more about the ORANGUTAN FOREST SCHOOL here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dcnEsU89 #OrangutanRescue #WildlifeRehabilitation #Borneo #SaveOrangutans #Conservation #OrangutanForestSchool © FOUR PAWS | Suriansyah

Left Behind but Not Forgotten – Providing Help for Ukraine’s Displaced Pets and Stray Animals 🇺🇦🏥 Access to veterinary care has become even more challenging in Ukraine due to ongoing hardships. To support both stray animals and pets of displaced families, FOUR PAWS has partnered with the newly established Ukrainian Veterinary Medicine Foundation (UVMF) to provide essential, free veterinary services across the country. The first two charitable clinics, located in Zaporizhzhia and Irpin, are operated by Ukrainian veterinarians and veterinary students, strengthening the country’s veterinary system while ensuring that animals receive the care they need. 🐈🐕 The clinics offer free sterilisation and rabies vaccinations, microchipping and anti-parasite treatments, up to three general check-ups, x-rays, ultrasounds, blood and urine tests, and more essential treatments. 🩺 This partnership is making a real difference for animals and the communities that care for them. In unpredictable situations, it is crucial to prioritise sustainable and locally driven solutions to promote rapid response. 🐾 #AnimalWelfare #VeterinaryCare #Ukraine #StrayAnimals #FOURPAWS 

Breaking Ground at Pakistan’s First Animal Welfare Conference 🇵🇰 At Pakistan’s inaugural International Animal and Environmental Rights Conference in Lahore, FOUR PAWS received an award for our impactful wildlife rescues and local advocacy work since 2020. 🐾 The two-day event brought together political leaders, legal experts, and NGOs to address the urgent need for improvement in animal welfare legislation. FOUR PAWS' veterinarian Dr. Amir Khalil was among the panelists at the event, and accepted recognition for his work on iconic rescues, including the relocation of Kavaan – “the loneliest elephant in the world”, Himalayan brown bears Suzie and Bubloo, and most recently, the reunion of elephant Madhubala with her sisters, after 15 years apart. 🐘🐻 Beyond individual rescues, FOUR PAWS' advocacy led to a nationwide elephant import ban, the closure of Marghazar Zoo with all animals safely relocated, and the end of elephant zoo-keeping in Pakistan. The conference spotlighted Pakistan's outdated Animal Welfare Act, a law over 100 years old, highlighting the importance of recognising animals' intrinsic value, and calling for national legislation to ensure extensive protection for all animals. ⚖️ We are proud to continue to advocate for sustainable solutions, partnering with local communities and governments to improve animal welfare. The conference in Lahore marks a crucial step in sustainable change, raising awareness and fostering action for a kinder future. 🌱 #AnimalWelfare #WildlifeRescue #AnimalRights #Sustainability #Pakistan © Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants Pakistan & Charity Doings Foundation | © FOUR PAWS | Hristo Vladev

Let’s talk about #OneHealthAwarenessMonth!   The health of humans, animals, and the environment is deeply connected, and #OneHealth is about working together to protect them all. With over 70% of emerging infectious diseases originating in animals, preventing spillover by improving animal welfare is key to preventing the next pandemic. 🚫    At last year’s World Health Summit, FOUR PAWS advocated for the importance of improving animal welfare within #OneHealth plans. 🤝FOUR PAWS CEO Josef Pfabigan met with World Health Summit President Axel Pries to discuss the importance of animal welfare and the One Health approach. 🌐    The roots and champions of One Health are in the Global South—countries in Africa and Asia have been following a multisectoral approach to address health threats for decades. Their strategies and experiences remind us that a unified, global approach is essential to tackling pandemics. 🌍    In moments of global crises, health unites.🛡️The Pandemic Agreement offers a chance to protect our shared future by enabling governments to prevent pandemics, improve animal welfare, and strengthen collaboration across governments and societies. It’s not just about reacting to crises—it’s about preventing them before humans, animals, and our environment suffer.     Together, we can create a safer, healthier world for all – humans, animals, and the environment. 🌱🐾   World Health Organization #OneHealth #HealthForAll #PandemicPrevention #PandemicAgreement #HealthUnites 📸 © VIER PFOTEN | Anne Barth

Helping Rescued Bears Rediscover Their Instincts 🐻 In this interview, our Lead Caretaker Lanh Quach, shares insights into the daily care, challenges, and heartfelt moments of rescuing and rehabilitating bears at BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh in Vietnam.  Watch Lanh recount her typical day and share valuable advice for aspiring caretakers! ✨ #BEARSANCTUARYNinhBinh #FOURPAWSlife #Sanctuary #AnimalCaretaker #Bears #Vietnam

How a Buddhist Temple Became a Safe Haven for Bangkok’s Stray Cats 🐈🇹🇭 Stray cats in Thailand face unique challenges – overpopulation, lack of veterinary care, and the risk of zoonotic diseases like rabies. 🦠 Local communities are fond of these cats, but the scarcity of free resources keeps the cycle of persistent issues ongoing, making it difficult to provide the care they need. In a powerful step toward change, FOUR PAWS, alongside Bangkok Cat Society and Lanta Animal Welfare, launched a free sterilisation and vaccination campaign at Wat Klong Toei Nok temple in Bangkok at the end of last year, treating nearly 200 cats in just two days. This effort is part of our mission to promote sustainable stray population management through the TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) method. By collaborating with local communities, temple monks and residents to identify animals in need, we are making a long-term impact on animal and public health.  Last year alone, over 5,000 animals were sterilised and vaccinated in Thailand, and continuing these efforts is the foundation of creating sustainable change. 🐾 💡 Read more about our stray animal care work in Thailand here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d3sJpXzp  #AnimalWelfare #StrayCats #Bangkok #BuddhistTemple #CompassionInAction  © FOUR PAWS | Tulika Kim