Tigers, one of the greatest loves in my life. Recently I saw my first tigers at a local zoo in Tacoma, WA and it was the most eye opening experience that I've ever had.
But with today being my birthday I felt the need to have to let people know about one of my favorite animals, the tiger and just how important they truly are.
Where I live, In Washington, we are known now for alot of things. Weed, Gay marriage, Beer, The Seattle Seahawks, and conservation.
I've learned alot about animals since I started this blog, and as I get older, my knowledge and passion will continue to grow and expand. As well as my need to educate the general public about these programs that I am so dedicated to.
So then, let's start.
There has been alot of speculation about tigers, mostly about private ownership. Which is something I've wished to get off my chest for awhile, but will abstain from using all caps for the sake of this message.
No animal that belongs in the wild will EVER be tame. It's just a common misconception. Just like how people think that since house cats are domesticated that they can live without red meat in their diet. It just isn't possible.
When I met these guys I was in complete awe. I knew how to chuff, I knew about their markings and coloring, I knew which one was Sumatran and which one was Malayan. I know these things because I have become obsessed with tigers. I have loved these beautiful and rather deadly creatures. Because when you love something, you want to learn more about it, and that is where I stand.
But having the knowledge about something and helping do something are two completely different things. So I'm using this blog to educate you on private ownership of these animals as well as these 'zoos' that are only using these wonderful animals for money.
Private ownership. There is no exact record of how many tigers are in the wild. Most people feel that it is either out of date information, or just educated guesses. But the reasoning as to why tigers are disappearing is because of these things.
1. Habitat destruction.
2. Habitat fragmentation.
3. Poaching.
First off, habitat destruction, we all know what that is. You go into an animals home and habitat. Perhaps the only place it could establish itself in, 30-50 miles and you knock it down. Not just knock it down, but strip everything away, the trees, the vegetation and you scatter the life that lived there to the wind. Then you throw down some asphalt and build a condo there. Or a town, or a city, or a parking garage. Whatever the reason be, humanity is expanding and that is unfortunate to all the other species out there. Destroying habitat that belongs to endangered species around the world so an area can gain a temporary economy with sandy beaches vs eco tourism.
Second, Habitat fragmentation. It's alot like the first one, but instead of cutting down this thousand acre area to make way for a shopping mall you cut out 100 here and 30 there and 70 here and 150 there. Leaving large fragmented areas for wildlife to struggle to adapt and survive. Here's an example. Lets say you live in a 50 acre area you cut down a slice of 20 right in the middle. Then you're area is between two habitats that could possibly have two mating animals. But they won't be able to because they're separated. making it more difficult to increase the population. Therefore continuing to contribute to the problem.
Lastly, poaching. I cannot emphasis on this enough, I HATE poaching. I hate it. It's a disgusting and sickening practice that only seems to solidify the old ways of medicine. Where it was all superstition and the ingestion of gross body parts instead of science. It takes us back to the dark ages or with Pliny the Elder believed that a she-goats brain passed through a gold ring and given to children will stop epilepsy. I'm a very science based person, I'm overly critical in the thought department. With all that I know, I have a VERY hard time agreeing that a tiger bone powered in a drink will somehow cure arthritis, or make men more 'potent'. I just can't agree with this practice.
So because of these things tiger populations have dwindled in the wild. But because of the tigers Endangered status people are starting to see animals that are endangered as a status symbol. If you're anybody they HAVE to have an endangered animal. Despite how dangerous it is. So let's just throw some numbers out there to help this out.
From 1998-2001 there were 59 incidents in which people were reportedly injured or killed by captive tigers. In the United states 7 people were killed and at least 27 people were injured. Which levels out to 1.75 fatal attacks and 9 non fatal attacks per year. All but one fatal attack in the US occurred where the tigers were privately owned or in private facilities.42% of these people were visitors and almost 25% of the victims were under the age of 20.
So what did we get from this?
What we got from this is basically this. Private ownership of a dangerous animal is just that, dangerous. There are many kinds of guidelines that you have to follow. From having permits, to adequate space and fencing. To proper food and diets for the animals that you have.
There has been many times that people have owned tigers, or bears, or cougars and have left them in a cage to die abandoning them in a barn, or a shelter with no food or water. Which is what I cannot understand. You took something in, something you knew well that had high priced tastes. Tigers only eat red meat, LOTS of red meat. So why, when they get older does someone leave them to die? Because tigers, like alot of exotic pets are expensive, red meat is expensive, and when they're eating over 200lbs of it a day. You'll get strapped for cash fast. Which is why I reiterate.
Exotic pets aren't good pets.
They belong in the wild. Where they can hunt, roll in grass, swim in water, and make all kinds of cute babies. Not behind your house, or in some cases in your garage. What is wild should stay wild.
So, let's continue to keep these guys happy, healthy and in the wild. Where they truly belong. Let's try to preserve their habitat, and keep them together to they can make the babies!
I love tigers, and I will be sorely dissapointed in humanity if we just let these amazing creatures die out. I want to be long, long, long dead before the last tiger takes it's last breath.
A lesson learned in Tigers.
- Amanda
Please support these wonderful groups that are posted on my birthday donations page guys. We all know how much I love these creatures and these groups are helping tigers in the US and in keeping the public in the know on private ownership. Please help guys, it's well worth it.
http://www.charitybirthday.com/birthdays/amanda_w
