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Meet Pablo, the adorable tiger cub and the newest member of Budapest Zoo
Visitors to Budapest Zoo can now meet Pablo, a young tiger cub rescued during a police drug raid, who has begun a new chapter of his life at the capital’s famous zoo. The cub is temporarily housed in the Zoo’s India House, where he will remain until his permanent relocation later in the spring.
Budapest zoo welcomes its new member, Pablo
Pablo was confiscated by Hungarian police during a raid on a property in Tiszafüred last November. Officers discovered the three-month-old tiger while carrying out a drugs-related investigation at a private residence.
The 40-year-old man detained at the scene is now facing charges linked to environmental damage and the illegal keeping of a dangerous animal. Under Hungarian law, private individuals are strictly prohibited from owning tigers, writes Telex.
Following his rescue, Pablo was transferred to Budapest Zoo in early December. At the time, he weighed just nine kilograms and was found to be in good health.
Since then, zoo veterinarians have provided him with all necessary vaccinations and medical checks. The cub has grown rapidly and now weighs around 15 kilograms.
You can now visit him
Pablo made his first public appearance on Friday during a press event at the Zoo. Keepers noted that the young tiger appeared visibly nervous in his unfamiliar surroundings, reacting sensitively to sudden noises, much like a domestic cat.
However, after some initial hesitation, he began to explore his indoor enclosure, gradually gaining confidence as he searched for food placed throughout the space.
Public access to the India House opened later that morning, drawing large crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the zoo’s newest resident. The cub’s name, Pablo, was chosen through a community vote, further increasing public interest in his story.
How long will Pablo stay in Budapest Zoo?
Pablo will remain in Budapest until approximately March, after completing his quarantine period. He is then expected to move to the Veresegyház Bear Sanctuary, where he will have more space suited to his long-term needs. Meanwhile, genetic tests are still underway to determine which tiger subspecies he belongs to.
Budapest Zoo officials hope Pablo’s case will raise awareness about the dangers and illegality of keeping exotic wild animals as pets, while also highlighting the importance of proper wildlife protection and rescue efforts in Hungary.