Roar for the wild! Help save critically endangered tigers
Tigers are one of the world’s most endangered big cats. With around 5,574 (World Animal Foundation) remaining in the wild. Some are also kept as pets or in ‘roadside zoos’.
The myth of ‘man-eating tigers’ arises from occasional attacks (around 50 a year), usually by hungry tigers, due to humans encroaching on their habitats (nearly all tigers who attack humans do so due to disabilities like bad teeth, we are not their natural diet).
Here are ways to help (also read how to save other endangered big cats):
- Avoid palm oil (to keep forest homes intact for big cats).
- Write to your MP to demand the ban on trophy hunting imports becomes law (presently, some peers in the House of Lord are delaying the Bill by waffling on, due to vested interests).
- If you have TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), ask for written guarantees that no body parts of animals are used (tiger or rhino horn etc). It’s illegal, but some still get through.
- Never visit animal zoos. Wild animals are bored and miserable. There are plenty of organisations doing conservation world in their natural habitats.
If concerned about any captive animal, report to Born Free’s Red Flag Alert (also tell the local police and tour operator).
Freedom for Animals has a great post on why not to visit zoos (average 20-second views by children are for entertainment, not education).
Most attacks are by bored and stressed captive tigers in zoos or circuses. Recently in Thailand, 72 captive tigers died of a virus (when there are less than 5000 left in the wild) proving that conservation must be done in the wild, by experts.
Organic clothing to help tiger welfare
- Save Wild Tigers is a non-profit that supports organisations that investigate criminal networks that sell tiger skins and other goods. All t-shirts, tops and jumpers are made from organic cotton, made in a factory powered by green energy, sent in plastic-free packaging.
- ROAR organic cotton clothing supports WildCats Conservation Alliance, which helps wild tigers and Amur leopards. It currently funds projects in Nepal, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia and China.
Books to learn more about tigers
- The Tiger’s Tale is a conservation story on one of the world’s most iconic animals, to tell the true story of the tragic disappearance of tigers from Panna Tiger Reserve in India, and finally their heroic return.
- Tiger: The Big Cat With the Stripes is a beautifully illustrated guide, for children to learn why tigers have stripes, what makes them stick out their tongues, and how they survive. Written by a conservationist who works with local communities in Nepal and Project Conservation.
