Private ownership of tigers in the US and other countries creates severe welfare problems, with captive tigers in roadside zoos and private facilities suffering from inadequate space, nutrition, and veterinary care.
Tigers in private ownership and roadside zoos experience chronic welfare deprivation from spatial restriction preventing natural territory expression, social isolation or inappropriate grouping, barren environments, inadequate species-appropriate nutrition, and lack of veterinary care. Cubs in petting operations suffer from early maternal separation and repeated handling stress. The scale of private captive tigers in the US represents an ongoing systemic welfare crisis. Sanctuary placement for rescued tigers is limited by capacity; prevention through regulation is the priority intervention.