Sumatra government introduces adopt-an-endangered-tiger scheme

Thursday, 21 January 2010 15:00

Many adopted pets come from dog or cat rescue centres - but an Indonesian government initiative is looking to give this option to those who wish to foster a Sumatran tiger.

The programme is aimed at protecting the endangered creatures and for $100,000 (£61,800) people can take in a captive-born tiger if they have a large enough space for it - a minimum of 60 square metres.

Darori, forestry ministry conservation chief, told AFP that they were not selling or renting the animals - they remained property of the government and the new homes should be thought of as mini-zoos as the owners are authorised to look after them.

He said people would need to adhere to strict conditions as the creatures' health would be monitored and all abuses would be punished be jail terms or fines.

According to the Sumatran Tiger Trust, there are probably fewer than 400 of these animals left in the wild today.

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Posted by Elaine