After being trapped in a train compartment in Argentina for more than 15 years before being saved and transported to South Africa, Sandro, a 21-year-old Bengal tiger, is currently the only survivor of the group once known as the “Train Tigers.”
Born in 2004, Sandro and three other tigers Mafalda and their sons, Messi and Gustavo were abandoned by a traveling circus in San Luis, Argentina, and spent the most of his life in severe captivity.
According to Sunday Tribune, for over ten years, they were trapped in the train carriage. The four tigers were transported across continents to the LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa in March 2022 by the animal advocacy organization FOUR PAWS.
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.
Sandro, who was initially living with his son Messi, became gravely unwell a few months after coming to South Africa and required immediate veterinary care. After that, he was sent to the sanctuary’s Tiger Special Care Unit, where he recuperated under careful medical monitoring.
Severe kidney disease was identified in all Mafalda and their sons, Gustavo and Messi. Due to renal failure, Mafalda was euthinized in July 2024. Messi and Gustavo died in December 2024 and July 2025, respectively.At LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, Sandro is the only survivor of “Train Tigers.”
