Ok, So It Wasn't My Cat, But Fellow Lovers of Cats Great and Small Might Be Interested.......
I learned of some very sad news today. Tikka, a Bengal tiger I had the pleasure of meeting two summers ago at the Metrolina Wildlife Park/sanctuary, died of a heart murmur a few days ago.
(Tikka licking my hand.)
I remember the afternoon dystroyreality took Sean and I to meet her. As we stepped out of the car, I was so nervous, with so much adrenaline pumping through my veins, but it all vanished when I saw Tikka, the 8-year-old cat with a cataract-afflicted eye and a gentle temperament.
Though fully aware and respectful of her status as a wild animal, I couldn't resist stroking her behind the ears as she groaned with pleasure or letting her lick my palms with her sandpaper tongue as she softly chuffed her breath against my skin.
(Tikka, Sean, and me)
The experience brought such a surge of emotion that it's difficult to describe. I couldn't help but think of the hundreds of tigers that die every year at the hands of poachers in order to feed demand for traditional Chinese medicine and black market pelts. I couldn't help but imagine that I might one day live in the world where tigers no longer exist the in the wild -- where the only place any will be able to call home will lie within the confines of zoos, breeding facilities, and well-meaning rescue centers like the Metrolina.
(Tikka)
My only comfort comes from knowing that Tikka and her fellow other big cats, wolves, bears, and other animals at the sanctuary were and are loved and cared-for. But each loss feels like one too many on a planet where only an estimated 5,000-7,000 remain in the wild.
If you would like to help the plight of tigers and other wildlife, please visit the World Wildlife Federation. Not only does the WWF work with governments worldwide to ensure that species receive the protected status and habitats they need to survive, but it also works with communities to provide solutions for farmers and villagers who might kill the animals out of fear or while trying to protect valuable livestock.
In their native habitats of Russia, China, India, Malaysia, and other regions, tigers are crucial to maintaining a balanced ecology. A world without them is one that I don't care to imagine.
(Tikka licking my hand.)
I remember the afternoon dystroyreality took Sean and I to meet her. As we stepped out of the car, I was so nervous, with so much adrenaline pumping through my veins, but it all vanished when I saw Tikka, the 8-year-old cat with a cataract-afflicted eye and a gentle temperament.
Though fully aware and respectful of her status as a wild animal, I couldn't resist stroking her behind the ears as she groaned with pleasure or letting her lick my palms with her sandpaper tongue as she softly chuffed her breath against my skin.
(Tikka, Sean, and me)
The experience brought such a surge of emotion that it's difficult to describe. I couldn't help but think of the hundreds of tigers that die every year at the hands of poachers in order to feed demand for traditional Chinese medicine and black market pelts. I couldn't help but imagine that I might one day live in the world where tigers no longer exist the in the wild -- where the only place any will be able to call home will lie within the confines of zoos, breeding facilities, and well-meaning rescue centers like the Metrolina.
(Tikka)
My only comfort comes from knowing that Tikka and her fellow other big cats, wolves, bears, and other animals at the sanctuary were and are loved and cared-for. But each loss feels like one too many on a planet where only an estimated 5,000-7,000 remain in the wild.
If you would like to help the plight of tigers and other wildlife, please visit the World Wildlife Federation. Not only does the WWF work with governments worldwide to ensure that species receive the protected status and habitats they need to survive, but it also works with communities to provide solutions for farmers and villagers who might kill the animals out of fear or while trying to protect valuable livestock.
In their native habitats of Russia, China, India, Malaysia, and other regions, tigers are crucial to maintaining a balanced ecology. A world without them is one that I don't care to imagine.