Kletečná tiger farm
Sixteen Amur tigers have been trapped for years at an illegal tiger farm in Kletečná, near Humpolec. Lions and cougars too. Not in sanctuaries. Not in the wild. In cages on a farm. Authorities knew — but they failed to act.
Only now does Environment Minister Petr Hladík promise “tough action,” suggesting the state should seize the animals. His solution: move them into “rescue centres, zoos, private breeders, or abroad.” Rescue could save them. But zoos or breeders? That is not freedom — it is recycling cruelty. Our feature on Zoos and Captivity shows why this cycle must end.
Czech Republic holds 341 big cats in captivity, with almost half outside zoos. Since 2022, breeding has been banned — yet enforcement is weak, and five farms still run illegally. The Kletečná tiger farm is only one symptom of a system that let abuse thrive until outrage forced action.
Based on Czech Radio, Czech Republic.
Photo via Czech Radio.
