Still roaring: The last train tiger’s second chance
From a train carriage in Argentina to a sanctuary in South Africa, Sandro’s remarkable journey reflects resilience and hope.
Image: FOUR PAWS
SANDRO, a 21-year-old Bengal tiger, is now the sole survivor of the group once known as the “Train Tigers,” after spending more than 15 years confined to a train carriage in Argentina before being rescued and brought to South Africa.
Sandro was born in 2004 and spent most of his life in extreme confinement alongside three other tigers—Mafalda and their sons, Messi and Gustavo—after the animals were abandoned by a travelling circus in San Luis, Argentina.
With no access to open space or a natural environment, the train carriage became the only world Sandro knew for more than a decade. In March 2022, animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS carried out a complex international rescue, transporting the four tigers across continents to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa.
The journey lasted more than 70 hours and marked Sandro’s first experience of life beyond metal walls. Due to his age and existing health issues, Sandro required specialised care upon arrival. He suffers from impaired vision and mobility challenges, and his front claws had been removed prior to his rescue.
Initially housed with his son Messi, Sandro fell seriously ill several months after arriving in South Africa and needed emergency veterinary treatment. He was subsequently moved to the sanctuary’s Tiger Special Care Unit, where he recovered under close medical supervision.While Sandro stabilised, his family members experienced open spaces and grass beneath their paws for the first time.
However, the long-term effects of neglect proved devastating. All three were diagnosed with severe kidney disease. Mafalda was euthanised in July 2024 due to kidney failure, followed by the deaths of Messi in December 2024 and Gustavo in July 2025.
Today, Sandro remains at LIONSROCK as the last living reminder of the Train Tigers’ story. At 21 years old, he continues to receive round-the-clock care from the sanctuary’s veterinary and animal care teams. Despite his health challenges, caretakers say Sandro remains alert, engaged, and eager for his weekly enrichment activities, often greeting staff with a friendly chuff.
“Sandro’s resilience is extraordinary,” said Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. “Despite everything he endured, he continues to thrive under our care. His story reminds us why we fight for every animal’s right to live with dignity.”