Italy: The Hidden Tiger Trade

Italy is Europe's leading country in the trade and breeding of tigers.

There are now far more tigers in captivity around the world than in the wild. An estimated 85% of the big cats present in Europe are kept in conditions unsuitable for their species in Italy.

Tigers are critically endangered; currently there are only around 12’000 individuals worldwide. Of these, only 3’900 still live in their natural habitat, while the remaining 8’100 are kept in captivity.

Hunting, habitat destruction, fear, superstition: for centuries, the world's largest cat has been under constant threat from humans. According to some cultures, their ground bones make people stronger, while for others the sexual organs can enhance masculinity and the eyes are capable of healing vision disorders. Fur is still considered a valuable commodity, a symbol of luxury and power. As are the various «trophies«. While cubs are sold as pets.

The figures speak for themselves: in India – where 75% of the world's wild tiger population lives – there were 40,000 individuals in 1947. In 2018, only 2’967 remained, a very low number, yet one that Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as "historic".

In Italy there are no restrictions on the breeding of tigers and other big cats. The lack of reliable data means authorities are unable to adequately monitor the illegal trade and commercial exploitation of this endangered species.

Italy is one of the countries with the greatest presence of circus companies licensed to keep and breed tigers. They are veritable production centers for these wild animals. In such cases, tigers can be legally sold to other circuses. The problem is that no one has any idea how many there are or, often, where they end up. There are no standardized registries or databases for exotic animals. It is virtually impossible to carry out serious oversight.

The current regulatory system allows circus and entertainment companies the possibility of breeding, renting, selling, lending, keeping in cages, and much more, with almost any kind of animal. According to official figures, 24 tigers are declared in Italy. But the real number is at least 400, according to animal welfare advocates.

A recent telling example involves ten tigers that were transported from Latina to Russia. The fate of these sold and traded animals is, sadly, that they were killed and dismembered for use in traditional Chinese medicine. A live tiger is worth between 3’000 and 5’000 euros. The profit from a dead tiger is between 15’000 and 20’000 euros.