A traumatised white tiger has stepped on grass for the first time since being rescued from war-torn Ukraine.
Bengal tiger Aleks arrived at the end of February after travelling 1,630 miles from Kharkiv.
He suffers PTSD from shellshock.
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His remarkable journey began almost two years ago when military volunteers found him dehydrated, exhausted and infested with parasites.
He was then transported to Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, Friskney, near Boston, after 18 months at a rescue site in Ukraine.
It took almost two years for Aleks to reach his new home because of the lengthy process of securing the licences and permits required, compounded by the ongoing war, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Steve Nichols, CEO of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, said: “He was on the verge of death.
“His skin was badly inflamed and could be seen through bald patches on his back, he couldn’t stand on his hind legs and his digestive system was in disarray.
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“Before he came to Lincolnshire Wildlife Park he spent 18 months at a wild animal rescue site in Ukraine – but his facilities weren’t the best as he was kept in a small concrete pen with straw.
“Aleks was so shellshocked by all of the bombing that every noise sent him into PTSD.
“He was in such a nervous state and every little noise petrified him – including the wind, birds, and doors opening.”
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Soon after arriving, keepers discovered Aleks was suffering from internal and external parasites, including what they described as the biggest tapeworm they had ever seen.
The parasite was later handed to the University of Lincoln for study because of its extraordinary size.
Now, a new video shows Aleks enjoying experiences many animals take for granted, including walking on grass, listening to rustling trees, splashing in water and climbing to new heights.
Steve added: “Watching Aleks discover the world around him has been one of the most rewarding moments of my career.
“Every blade of grass, every splash of water and every new sound represents a freedom he has never truly experienced before.
“The response from the public has been overwhelming, and it’s wonderful to see so many people following his journey.”
The park hopes the attention will raise awareness of Aleks’ remarkable rescue as well as the importance of wildlife rescue and conservation.
Aleks is continuing to grow in confidence and can now be seen exploring his spacious outdoor enclosure, enjoying enrichment activities and embracing a life he was once denied.
His biggest achievement so far has been taking those first steps on grass since his rescue.
The team has continued working patiently to rebuild his trust.
“He’s been through more than a tiger should have ever gone through but he’s come out of it,” Steve added.
“He’s still got a long way to go but just seeing the absolute joy in his face when he is playing with the ball or in the waterfall or in his own swimming pool – when he’s doing all of that you realise it’s all worth it.
“We can see he is enjoying life now as his persona and expressions have changed for the better.”
Keepers estimate Aleks is between five and six years old.
In the wild, white tigers typically live around nine to 10 years, although in captivity they can reach 15 or 16.
Over time, Aleks will gradually be introduced to some of the park’s other tigers and eventually paired with a companion, although not for breeding.
His recovery is expected to take many more months, if not years, but those who have cared for him say it has been reassuring to see how far he has already come.
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