Black Jaguar White Tiger Foundation

It is coming up to nearly 12 months ago since I had the honour and privilege to visit Mexico City and an animal foundation close to my heart.  The Black Jaguar White Tiger (BJWT) Foundation continues to grow Eduardo Serio’s (Eddie) vision with his hard working teams, to being a sanctuary and safe place for big cats.  However, along the journey other animals such as monkeys, dogs and bears have also been rescued.

I never got around to writing about this amazing place for many reasons, but I am here now.  BJWT foundation isn’t open to the public, so to get a chance to actually be in person at the foundation is a rarity.  Well it happened for me. I won one of last years’ raffles so I am proof it can happen to anyone.  I am so grateful and humble to have been in the presence of all at BJWT.  

Each being is unique but one sumatran tiger has my heart, Achilles.  I had been following the foundation for quite a while before Achilles was rescued.  He had multiple fractures and was still very young.  He couldn’t walk but his soul shined through his big beautiful eyes.  He reminded me of my cat, though Achilles was on a bigger scale, who had 3 fractures in her pelvis.  She made it back home to tell me something was wrong.  The vet confirmed the fractures and gave an option I was not willing to take, so I asked what else?.  With time, love and care, my cat Lilly was up walking and playing again after 6 weeks.

Achilles was provided loving care and attention by Eddie and the team, coupled with his own warrior spirit meant, Achilles got the healing he needed.  He was also given a lot of blue energy from the millions watching on instagram.  

It was Achilles who brought me to the foundation, his cuddly toy was amongst the many supporters tickets who entered one of the raffles last year when my name was pulled.  I have watched Achilles grow up into a wonderful, exuberant, walking, running, playful tiger who particularly loves his pool.  Achilles and his Blue Pride with Sonny, Gorakh and Khloe are incredible beings and a beautiful family of lions and tigers.

I spent time with Achilles, his Blue Pride and with so many amazing gentle beings during my visit at the sanctuary. I also got to meet and watch the people and Eddie, work day in day out to make this a safe home for so many animals with their dedication and commitment.

It is not illegal yet to own a lion or tiger in Mexico, so people pay for cute small cubs and as they grow up they don’t know how to handle them, well they are a wild animal and not a pet.  They can be mistreated and abandoned or given up to a sanctuary if they are lucky enough.  Education and a change in law is in need and I know Eddie is assisting the government where he can too.

I have so many happy memories and special moments that will last eternally with me from my days at the sanctuary.  Well now you can too, if you wish to volunteer!  Only in the last couple weeks has a new volunteering scheme been announced for the BJWT foundation which is so awesome!!  If you get the chance to support however you can, please do.

Below are a few pics of these majestic beings.