Mitch Traphagen Photo
Monday was International Tiger Day, bringing recognition to the unique wild animal and to the oft-cited statistic that nearly 97 percent of all tigers have been lost over the past century, with a number of tiger species already extinct.
The biggest threat faced by the world’s remaining wild tigers, estimated to be fewer than 4,000, is the destruction of their natural habitats due to growing cities, agriculture and poaching. Although the United States is not part of the tiger’s natural habitat, it is still possible to personally wish a tiger a Happy International Tiger Day.
Pictured is one tiger who has been rescued and has found a home at Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary in Wimauma. The non-profit organization offers tours each weekend and their website even provides a wish list for those visitors who would like to bring a tiger (or their other animals) a gift (tigers like Jolly Balls — very hard toys they can play with).
For information, visit www.elmiraswildlife.org.
