Tiger Tiger

There is a wild tiger crisis and the main thing that is threatening them is humans. Over the years they have been exploited in circuses and zoos; thankfully the majority of zoos now have excellent conservation programs, but it could be a case of too little, too late for this amazing animal. There are less than 5,000 tigers left in the wild. India has the largest population of tigers and it is less than 1,500. Their habitat is disappearing due to dams, logging, farms and mining. Tigers are also poached for traditional Chinese medicine and for their skins.

Tigers are found in Asia and are the biggest of the big cat family. They are skilled hunters and can weigh up to 350kg and be 4m in length. They are mammals and are carnivores. Tigers can adapt to all types of weather. They can be found in the freezing low temperatures of Siberia as well as in the hot and humid tropical rainforests.

Tigers live in the forests and their stripes give them excellent camouflage against the dense trees. Tigers are meat eaters and prey on deer and bison. Tigers and leopards are solitary creatures who like to hunt and live alone. The mothers teach the young ones the skills needed to survive on their own.

After tigers have mated the female tiger gives birth and raises the cubs on her own. Cubs rely solely on their mothers for milk. As they get older and are being weaned they are dependent on the meat their mothers bring to them before they are taught to hunt for themselves.

These beautiful majestic animals are on the verge of disappearing. Charities like the Born Free Foundation are doing everything they can to help protect these big cats. They have a sanctuary for rescued tigers in India. It is located within the Bannerghatta Wildlife Park. Each of their natural habitat enclosures has a hectare of forest. The tigers have night quarters, a pool and plenty of space and privacy.

There are four tigers who have called this home since 2002. Roque was rescued from a pet shop in Spain when he was just a cub. The other three tigers that live in the sanctuary are named Zeudy, Harak and King. They were rescued from a rundown circus in Italy.

In the current economic climate it is difficult for us all to dip into our pockets and give to any charity at all. When you buy pet insurance from Animal Friends at least you can be reassured in the knowledge that part of the premium for an everyday expense such as protecting your pet will go towards helping animals in trouble.