Tony the Tiger explains to viewers what life is like for captive bred tigers and other big cats in this informative and creative video by Big Cat Rescue
Big Cat Rescue “is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. They are home to about 100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and other species most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts. The sanctuary is working to END the trade in wild cats.”
A truck stop is no place for a tiger – Tony the Tiger – photo source Animal Legal Defense Fund
Tony’s Story – “Tony is a 14-year old Siberian/Bengal tiger used as a roadside attraction at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete Louisiana. Tony is an example of the serious problem of privately owned tigers in the United States whose numbers exceed tigers left in the wild. Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin, has bought, sold, bred, and exhibited tigers for over 20 years.” – Free Tony the Tiger
The Animal Legal Defense Fund continues to work on having Tony freed and sent to a reputable sanctuary like Big Cat Rescue where he can live out his remaining days with the proper care he needs in a peaceful and natural environment away from noise, fumes, concrete and exploitation for profit. To date Tony still resides at the truck stop.
There are only about 3,000 wild tigers left and according to Big Cat Rescue there are between 5,000 to 10,000 tigers, lions, leopards and more in US cages. The majority of these cats live in miserable roadside zoos, backyard breeder facilities, circus wagons and pet homes. Some will even be sold into the canned hunting industry where wealthy hunters pay to shoot them in a confined space.
What does the US and Global laws on private ownership of big cats look like?
Stop the cycle
You have the choice NOT to participate in this abusive cycle
- Never pay to touch or have your photo taken with a tiger or lion cub
- Don’t attend circuses, fairs, or attractions that feature wild animal shows
- Don’t purchase items made from wild animals, such as furs and rugs
- Don’t partake in local “delicacies” made from wild animals, such as tiger bone wine
- Only visit sanctuaries that are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
A crucial step in preventing wild animals like Tony from being exploited is getting laws enacted to ban private ownership of exotic cats.
- Go to the Big Cat Rescue Action Center resource page for links and resource on how to take action in your city
- Follow Free Tony The Tiger on Facebook for updates on his case
- Visit Big Cat Ban
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