Where is the Edenvale tiger? SPCA demands answers

There have been conflicting reports about the re-capture of the so-called Edenvale tiger.

News of its escape first started doing the rounds on Monday morning, and by the afternoon, a local security company told various media outlets that the tiger had been safely darted and was to be transported to a wildlife sanctuary.

The Edenvale SPCA says it has received no confirmation or proof, from SOS security, that they managed to secure the tiger, yet they have made statements on their social media platforms that she has been captured and relocated.

The SPCA released a lengthy statement in which they highlight several issues with the recent turn of events…

SOS Security not authorised to handle wildlife, threats to SPCA staff

“SOS security are not permitted, equipped, trained or experienced to handle wildlife yet they’ve stated they have captured and moved her. SOS security refused Inspector Mokalapa entry into a home where we suspected she was being kept but only allowed Udo entry into the home.

Multiple animals were seen in the home of the alleged “owner” but no confirmation can be given as to whether it is the owner of the tiger. SOS security personnel (owners and staff) threatened Inspector Hope and Udo with legal action.

Several members of the public have come forward with very concerning information about SOS Security but will not give their details out of fear as it’s alleged their lives have been threatened.”

sos security, screen shot — SOS Security member, being interviewed by the media after they ”captured” the tiger

Allegations of false reported sightings to deflect SPCA’s attention

“SOS security gave the Edenvale SPCA the runaround and false sighting information which we believe was a tactic to drive our attention away from where she really was so she could be moved. Therefore, obstructed our investigation.

SOS security has commented on our page stating she is safe and “the Edenvale SPCA don’t need to know where she is.”

Our questions are: who’s protecting who here? We’re the legal animal welfare organisation yet a security company took control of the situation and sent us to wrong locations? Why?”

Many unanswered questions…

“Why does SOS Security feel the need to threaten our staff if they have nothing to hide? What legal power do they have to move a wild endangered species?

The SPCA has to obtain permits for relocation prior to moving an animal yet, SOS security moved a tiger with no permits and continues to withhold information?

Why are we as the Edenvale SPCA not permitted to know for the sake of this animal’s welfare as well as the safety of our public whom we serve? The same public SOS Security claims to serve and protect?

There are 100s of stories going around about this tiger & very concerning information along with these stories. We’ll not confirm this tiger is safe, alive or at a place of safety until we have the facts. No other media release will be made until we have all the facts.

It concerns us that SOS security were quick to publish their story – we assume in hopes that this matter would be closed and forgotten about.

But we’re here to remind them that Edenvale SPCA works with evidence on a daily basis & we’ll never release a story without giving the whole truth & nothing but the truth. We’re in contact with our legal teams & private sources to make sure the real story is published.

We can assure our community that we will not leave matters there. This matter will be investigated and an update will be given to our community. This tiger deserves nothing less.”

The Edenvale community have been sharing information, with some community members alleging the images SOS Security was sharing on their social media pages dated back to 2021.

So where is the Edenvale tiger? Hopefully some light will be shed on the matter soon…