In the realm of wildlife sanctuaries and conservation efforts, the recent events surrounding Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bend, Wisconsin, have raised significant concerns and cast a spotlight on the importance of responsible animal care and welfare.

At the center of this controversy is a white tiger named Ginger and her cubs. Ginger, a majestic white tiger, gave birth to five cubs, a moment filled with hope and promise. However, the joy quickly turned into tragedy, as only two of Ginger’s five cubs managed to survive.

The heartbreaking incident occurred at Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, a roadside zoo owned by David and Lana Fechter. The sanctuary came under scrutiny after two tiger cubs tragically drowned in an icy pond in November 2022, leading to a critical violation of the Animal Welfare Act.

This distressing incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare at this facility. The Fechters’ involvement in a questionable tiger breeding operation since March 2021 has drawn significant attention. It started with Ginger giving birth to two cubs, which were found lifeless in their enclosure.

White tigers, like Ginger, should not be bred due to the risks associated with inbreeding and genetic issues. Shockingly, images of Ginger’s deceased cubs were shared on social media, sparking outrage and calls for better oversight.

Despite this tragedy, the Fechters announced their intention to continue breeding Ginger, this time with another tiger named Goliath. When no cubs resulted from this pairing, Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary acquired two female tiger cubs, named Sugar and Spice, from Animal Haven Zoo in Weyauwega, Wisconsin. What is concerning is that these cubs were taken from their mother and illegally transported at just 14 days old, a violation of federal regulations.

In April 2022, Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary introduced an adult male tiger named Jonah for breeding purposes, further increasing the tiger population at the facility. Unfortunately, Goliath was euthanized a few months later.

Then came the fateful day when Ginger gave birth to a litter of five cubs on August 6th, sired by Jonah. Tragically, less than a week later, one of the cubs mysteriously disappeared and has never been located, presumed dead.

Wisconsin experiences frigid temperatures, with a cold season that lasts approximately three months. The four surviving cubs were given access to a large enclosure with a pond. However, on the evening of November 18th, the pond partially froze as temperatures dropped to a chilling 19°F.

The following morning, a white cub named Nina was discovered lifeless in the den, possibly moved there by Ginger. Another cub, a golden tabby named Khan, was found dead in the icy pond.

USDA records indicate that a veterinarian associated with Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary believed that hypothermic shock likely played a role in the cubs’ drowning. A USDA inspector noted that climatic conditions were a contributing factor to the tragedy.

Despite the tragic loss of these cubs, Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary initiated a GoFundMe fundraiser to profit from the incident, raising over $16,000 for the roadside zoo.

The two surviving cubs, Charlotte and King, remain under the care of the Fechters, but ongoing concerns about their welfare persist. Recent photos and videos have shown that the sanctuary is providing the cubs with toys intended for domestic dogs, which are not suitable for tigers. Ingesting parts of these toys could be detrimental to their health.

A recently released report reveals that the USDA has now cited Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary with a critical violation regarding the drowning deaths of Nina and Khan. The report emphasizes the need for corrective actions to protect animals from unsafe conditions, particularly during winter.

This tragic incident and the ongoing concerns at Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible and ethical animal care. As advocates for wildlife conservation, we must remain vigilant in ensuring that all animals, especially those in captivity, receive the care and protection they deserve.