On Aug. 2, during Tiger Week at Lions Tigers & Bears, the animal sanctuary celebrated the birthdays of Moka and Nola, as the two tigers enjoyed enrichments filled with treats, and opened their birthday presents. Moka was rescued in August 2017 from smugglers attempting to transport the two-month-old tiger across the border of Mexico to the U.S., according to the Lions Tigers & Bears website.
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. LTB 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 the team in December 2017.
Nola was rescued after she was seized from an unpermitted location near New Orleans, Louisiana. Nola was only five months old at the time of her rescue. She required immediate medical attention for conditions consistent with severe neglect including malnutrition and parasites. Coming to LTB with no name, a contest was held, with NOLA, short for New Orleans, Louisiana, where she was rescued from was chosen.
To see the video of the birthday celebration, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqAmqRNCnSQ.
For more information about Lions Tigers & Bears, visit www.lionstigersandbears.org.
