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Panthera tigris
The tiger is the largest cat species, reaching a total body length of up to 3.3 m (11 ft) and weighing up to 306 kg (670 lb). Their most recognizable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with lighter underparts; the stripe pattern is actually also visible on their skin (I have photos of this when one of our sanctuary tigers had to have his leg shaved for treatment of an injury). They have exceptionally stout teeth, and their canines are the longest among living felids with a crown height of as much as 74.5 mm (2.93 in) or even 90 mm (3.5 in). They are dangerous, albeit beautiful, felines and even when raised by people from the time they are cubs, their wild instincts can always kick in and they have seriously harmed and killed even those people they know.
Over the past 100 years, tigers have lost 93% of their historic range and been extirpated from southwest and central Asia, the islands of Java and Bali, and from large areas of Southeast and Eastern Asia. Today, they range from the Siberian taiga to open grasslands and tropical mangrove swamps in some parts of Asia. The remaining six tiger subspecies have been classified as endangered by IUCN. The global population is now estimated at around 3000; there are about 5000 tigers kept in zoos, carnivals, circuses, the entertainment industry and as pets in the United States.
Contrary to what is said in the media and even by some accredited zoos, white tigers are not a separate subspecies. They are the product of a recessive gene and born to Bengal tigers in Asia. There, they do not reach maturity in the wild as other animals kill them or they starve as they do not have the camouflage for hunting. Some have been captured as cubs and then kept as pets and/or been sold in the animal trade. The majority of white tigers in the United States are the result of inbreeding, which is associated with many genetic defects. Because of this, the American Zoological Association barred member zoos from breeding white tigers, white lions and king cheetahs in a white paper adopted by the board of directors in July 2011. This white tiger is at Carolina Tiger Rescue; he was saved from euthanasia as a cub because he was a “surplus” tiger. He is gorgeous and well-loved by staff and volunteers; his residence at the sanctuary allows us to educate the public about the tiger trade and myths about white tigers. Also see: http://bigcatrescue.org/abuse-issues/iss... and http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/fin...
9 Comments
Thanks for your nice comments, Neil! He is a gorgeous cat and although there have been a few times that we thought he might have to be euthanized now - due to old age and various ailments - he has still rallied round each time and continues to delight us. He serves as a great ambassador to the tour visitors who can be educated about why breeding of white tigers is actually a practice that should stop.
Beautiful animal, and excellent information. I can't believe that anyone would even consider euthanasing such a magnificent creature. Thanks for sharing, Maria.
That would be great, Mandy; CTR would love to have you visit.
Beautiful! Tigers are my absolute favorite animals. I hope to come visit the Carolina Tiger Rescue center too!
Superb series of a stunning animal
Love it
If you come when I am in town, I could give you a private tour!
He is such a beauty - I definitely plan to come to visit him & all your other "residents" very soon!
Grandioso gato muy bello