PAW published a letter Feb. 9 calling for conservation efforts to sustain and increase the wild-tiger population, which is close to extinction. I would also like to encourage care for abandoned and abused domestic tigers. Unfortunately, many exotic big cats are held in captivity in deplorable conditions. In the United States, an estimated 10,000 tigers are kept as “pets” or used for exhibition.
One accredited nonprofit that is trying to help these majestic animals is Big Cat Rescue (www.bigcatrescue.org [7]) in Florida. There are a variety of ways to help, including membership, donations, or volunteering. Please help! Go Tigers!