THE BENGAL TIGER – Panthera tigris tigris
Many captive born wild and exotic animals are still used through out the United States as props in pictures with paying guests. There is a difference between a “photo-op” and an Ambassador Animal that is part of an educational program where the animal is carefully supervised and it’s health and welfare are the priority. A question to ask is “what happens to that animal once it is no longer small, cute, profitable, or becomes ill, dangerous, and/or illegal?” Under current USDA regulations (2021) big cats such as lions and tigers, can only have exposure to public physical contact until 12 weeks of age. This is the most vulnerable age for these animals. Many are stressed or become ill from being mishandled or exposure to disease. We know that some are sold to responsible private individuals, but the majority that survive eventually end up at rescue sanctuaries like Cat Tales.
Meet Our Bengal Tigers
TIGGER AND ZORRO
Tigger came to us with his brother Zorro and our lioness Nala**. The three were photo opportunity cubs in a county fair in the state of Oregon. In 2010 Cat Tales received a call that someone wanted to donate two Bengal tiger cubs. When Cat Tales’ staff arrived and started to transport the boys, Nala let our keepers know that she was coming, too. So, two became three, but, once these cats reached maturity, there were all moved into sperate enclosures. Tigers are solitary species and do not typically live together as adults, especially two unneutered males. Lions are social, but a female lioness housed with male tigers is likely to result in tigons, a manmade species. Born May 20, 2010
**Nala passed away in August 2022 due to an advanced uterine infection. We miss her dearly!
Habitat: Grasslands and rainforest of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal;
Lifespan: In the Wild 12-15 years; In Captivity 18-20 years;
Diet: Carnivore;
Status: Endangered;
Interesting and little-known facts about Bengal tigers:
Bengal tigers are the most numerous tiger subspecies, with an estimated population of 2,500 individuals in the wild.
Bengal tigers are found primarily in India, but also in Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Bengal tigers are excellent swimmers and are known to cross rivers up to 4 miles wide.
Bengal tigers are mostly solitary animals, except during mating season and when females have cubs.
Bengal tigers are apex predators, feeding on a variety of prey including deer, wild pigs, and buffalo.
Bengal tigers have distinctive stripes that are unique to each individual, like human fingerprints.
Common myths and misconceptions about Bengal tigers:
Myth: Bengal tigers are man-eaters.
Fact: While some Bengal tigers have been known to attack humans, these incidents are rare and usually occur when tigers are provoked or their habitat is disturbed.
Myth: Bengal tigers are aggressive and dangerous.
Fact: Bengal tigers are generally not aggressive towards humans unless they feel threatened or provoked.
Myth: Bengal tigers are only found in India.
Fact: While India has the largest population of Bengal tigers, they are also found in neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Myth: Bengal tigers can be easily tamed and kept as pets.
Fact: Bengal tigers are wild animals and cannot be domesticated.
Myth: Bengal tigers are endangered because of overhunting.
Fact: While hunting and habitat loss have contributed to the decline of Bengal tigers, the biggest threat to their survival is actually poaching for their body parts, which are used in traditional Asian medicine.
