Six tigers including two cubs were rescued from the circus on Saturday.

Six more tigers transferred to a temporary rescue centre 

Campaign group Animal Defenders International is celebrating the rescue of six tigers from a circus in Guatemala.

The organisation said that adult females Bimbi and Lupe, parents Itsa and Sombra and their two unnamed cubs were removed from the circus on Saturday.

The move forms part of ADI's efforts to help enforce the country’s ban on animal circus acts. Since rescue efforts began, ADI has removed a total of 21 lions and tigers from circuses across Guatemala and just one circus with animals now remains.

ADI removed two lions and nine other tigers from the most recent circus back in June, but the circus refused to hand over the six tigers. ADI, which is working closely with the government's Animal Welfare Division, promised that it would not leave the tigers behind.

ADI president Jan Creamer said: “We vowed to not let these six tigers down, and we kept our word. ADI’s mission is to ensure that no animal will suffer in circuses in Guatemala ever again. With the public’s support, we can save them all.”

The rescued animals have been transferred to a spacious temporary rescue centre filled with enrichment to keep the animals entertained and healthy. Once their documentation is complete, they will be moved to a 450+ acre ADI sanctuary in South Africa.

The first nine tigers rescued by ADI have been offered permanent homes in the US, and ADI is actively seeking permanent homes for the six new tigers. Donations towards the rescue effort can be made at https://donate.ad-international.org/guatemala

Image (C) ADI International