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Kumara, an Amur (Siberian) tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) at Jungle Cat World Zoo stares at you through a gap in a fence.
Unfortunately, I don't get to spend too much time with Kumara these days, who is slowly growing into old age. I forewent the wonderful experience of working directly with tigers and other amazing animals to focus on direct conservation of tigers in the wild, where they must be saved. It was an easy decision for me to make, but, unexpectedly, one that does take a toll.
When you put your heart and soul into caring for an animal, you can see the difference you make in their lives. This is especially true with Kumara, who is quite social and friendly. In conservation in the wild, this satisfaction is as elusive as the tiger itself.
Tigers are suffering catastrophic population declines in the wild and losing habitat. Success is rare. If you do have an impact - if your work helps a ranger stop a poacher before he sets a tiger snare - you may never know it. For every tiger you see alive in the wild in a photo, there are a hundred more dead in the news and reports you see. Tools may help you understand that a population is increasing, but fear always lingers in the back of your mind. Against an unrelenting surge of forces working against you, you must always continue fighting.
Selfishly, I miss the soothing of aching bones at the end of a hard day's work by a tiger's friendly chuff. I miss the quiet moments spent with a tiger alive and happy. However, my resolve is strengthened by these moments. They remind me what I'm working for.
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If you want to help tigers, please send me a message and I will do whatever I can to give you advice. Tigers can be saved, but they need people that care to take that first step forward. As Edmunde Burke said, "Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.
Unfortunately, I don't get to spend too much time with Kumara these days, who is slowly growing into old age. I forewent the wonderful experience of working directly with tigers and other amazing animals to focus on direct conservation of tigers in the wild, where they must be saved. It was an easy decision for me to make, but, unexpectedly, one that does take a toll.
When you put your heart and soul into caring for an animal, you can see the difference you make in their lives. This is especially true with Kumara, who is quite social and friendly. In conservation in the wild, this satisfaction is as elusive as the tiger itself.
Tigers are suffering catastrophic population declines in the wild and losing habitat. Success is rare. If you do have an impact - if your work helps a ranger stop a poacher before he sets a tiger snare - you may never know it. For every tiger you see alive in the wild in a photo, there are a hundred more dead in the news and reports you see. Tools may help you understand that a population is increasing, but fear always lingers in the back of your mind. Against an unrelenting surge of forces working against you, you must always continue fighting.
Selfishly, I miss the soothing of aching bones at the end of a hard day's work by a tiger's friendly chuff. I miss the quiet moments spent with a tiger alive and happy. However, my resolve is strengthened by these moments. They remind me what I'm working for.
---
If you want to help tigers, please send me a message and I will do whatever I can to give you advice. Tigers can be saved, but they need people that care to take that first step forward. As Edmunde Burke said, "Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.
Category Photography / Animal related (non-anthro)
Species Tiger
Size 581 x 800px
File Size 242.5 kB
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