STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. – A tiger at the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary will be turning 22 on June 4, and the sanctuary is celebrating her birthday with special enrichment items and plenty of attention from the staff. Thor has lived at the sanctuary for 18 years. On her birthday, the sanctuary will be open to the public.
Thor was rescued in 2006 from a roadside zoo in Missouri along with her now-deceased mother, father, and recently deceased sister, Gracie. They were among the first big cats to find refuge at the sanctuary.
The tigers were severely underweight and in poor health due to improper care and nutrition when they were rescued.
At the sanctuary, Thor roams a spacious enclosure and receives specialized care. She enjoys lounging in her hammock and is known for her stubborn yet endearing personality.
Thor only recently lost her sister and close companion, Gracie, who died on May 28 after her health declined. Gracie was almost totally blind and had long endured mobility issues due to being declawed before coming to the sanctuary.
“The tiger sisters had such a sweet relationship,” said John Madigan, Operations Manager at Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary. “We are closely monitoring Thor and giving her a lot of extra care and attention to support her through this difficult time.” The lifespan for a captive tiger is about 20 years.
Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary will be adding a public tour on June 4 at 11 a.m. for supporters who would like to visit Thor in person. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival.
For those who can’t visit the sanctuary but would like to honor Thor’s birthday or make a gift in memory of Gracie, they can:
Make a one-time or recurring donation to the sanctuary.
“Adopt” a tiger on the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary website.
Purchase needed items for the sanctuary from their Amazon Wishlist.
Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is home to four tigers and two domestic cats. For more information, visit CrownRidgeTigers.com.
