Today is International Tiger Day, which is aimed at creating awareness of the dangers facing the world’s dwindling tiger population and promoting measures to help preserve one of the world’s most amazing and beloved animals. As some animal, but I was also born in the year of the tiger according to the Chinese zodiac. The tiger is also considered to be a national symbol of India, where much of my husband’s family comes from. If you too love the tiger, consider making a small donation to help preserve the wild tiger population, or just read about the conservation efforts that are taking place in countries like India, Russia, and Indonesia. I am including a few links that might be helpful.
First, take a look at the work that World Wildlife Fund is doing. They are one of the main organizations working on this issue and have a positive track record. Two other groups that are well established include the Save the Tiger Fund and Panthera. They have a joint initiative that you can read about here. Finally, check out this story from Deutsche Welle today that draws attention to the inadequacy of captive breeding programs as the sole method of preventing the tiger’s extinction.