More tigers live in captivity than in the wild, with thousands held in commercial tiger farms across Asia. The welfare conditions in these facilities are in stark contrast to accredited zoo and sanctuary standards.
Tigers in commercial farms are housed in barren concrete enclosures, often alone, without enrichment, and with no outlet for predatory behavior, territory marking, or exploration. These conditions cause severe chronic stress and psychological deterioration. The tiger trade also perpetuates demand for wild tiger parts and undermines conservation. Accredited zoo tigers in contrast receive large, enriched exhibits, species-appropriate social management, and veterinary care meeting professional standards. The welfare gap between legitimate sanctuaries and commercial farms is enormous.