On a scorching day in Phoenix, Arizona, with temperatures soaring above 110 degrees, good Samaritans spotted a dog crate on the side of the highway. When they stopped to make sure it was empty, they were shocked to find a dehydrated and disoriented young tiger inside. The police immediately reached out to me as I’m the veterinarian for the county’s animal abuse and neglect cases. My team and I quickly prepared Palm Glen Animal Hospital to receive this unexpected patient.

Our first priority was stabilizing him. He was dehydrated and on the verge of heat stroke. We had to quickly get fluids into his system and bring down his dangerously high body temperature.

For the next three days, our entire team worked round-the-clock to nurse the tiger back to health. While the animal remained sedated for everyone’s safety, we also discovered the tiger had a microchip. It had been sold at a location in Mexico City, but they couldn't find additional information about his previous owners.

It was heartbreaking to see how much this young tiger craved companionship with other animals while being absolutely terrified of humans. The maltreatment he must have endured to result in this behavior is unimaginable.

Once the tiger was stable enough, he was transferred to a local wildlife rehabilitation center that our team frequently works with. From there, he was moved to a sanctuary in Minnesota, where he could live out his days in a more natural environment.

While tigers are not an everyday animal in Phoenix, the opportunity to care for one was rewarding. The ability to change this animal’s life for the better, even for a short time, has left a lasting impression on all of us.