A 13-year-old tiger named Sitara has been transferred to the Oakland Zoo, marking a new chapter after her rescue from a Northern California facility described by critics as the “worst roadside zoo in America.” Sitara is one of five tigers authorities say were abandoned and neglected at the private facility before being rescued.
Oakland Zoo stated that a private owner reached out for assistance in finding suitable placement for the tigers after their abandonment. Sitara, described as a female generic tiger, is reported to be strong but experiencing some lameness in her left hind leg.
All five tigers were brought to the Oakland Zoo for medical evaluations and treatment before being placed in permanent homes. A 14-year-old white tiger suffering from health issues linked to inbreeding was treated and then relocated to a sanctuary in Arkansas. Two other tigers, aged 11 and 13, were transferred to PAWS. A fifth female tiger was humanely euthanized due to her condition.
Sitara's rescue is connected to the downfall of the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary in Oroville, California. This nonprofit facility, which once claimed to house rare and endangered animals, closed its doors in November 2025. Prior to its closure, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife initiated an animal cruelty investigation after rescuers found a severely malnourished tiger cub named Cleo with 10 broken bones. The animal advocacy group PETA also filed a lawsuit against the sanctuary, alleging that its owners moved animals to avoid confiscation by government regulators in July 2025.