Circus tiger freed from captivity walks on grass for first time

A mistreated tiger has enjoyed its first ever walk on grass after being freed from a circus in Bulgaria where it was held captive for 12 years. The group intervened after the Bulgarian

government passed a law that took effect in January, making it illegal for circuses to keep wild animals. The video starts with volunteers tranquilising and examining the majestic beast

before transporting Varvara from its small cage to the larger confines of the Four Paws Big Cat Centre in Tierart, Germany. The tiger was first released into an indoor enclosure to get used

to its new surrounds and two days later was "curious enough" to leave the area and venture outside. A video shows the big cat take its tentative first steps onto the grass.

"After twelve years of living in a tiny cage, the former circus tiger finally has a natural environment in which to start living the life of a tiger," Four Paws wrote on their

website. "Varvara, we are watching your first steps into this 'freedom' with tears in our eyes and are filled with peace and happiness that, after months of negotiations, we

could finally free you from your tiny prison!"