- via Halesowen News
This gorgeous tiger from England’s Dudley Zoo has been chosen as the face of this year’s International Tiger Day tomorrow, July 29, 2014. The Sumatran tigress, Daseep, is vital in bringing her species back from the brink and is rated as the world’s second most important genetic Sumatran female. She will be critical in bringing back a wild tiger population of less than 3,500 worldwide, with only a staggering about 140 Sumatran tigers left in the wild. Her striking image led us to share some of our favorite tiger photos along with some interesting facts about the endangered big cats!
1. This little guy is quite introspective!
Tiger Cub – Howletts Wildlife Park, Kent, England – Sunday October 19th 2008. ©Keven Law
Did you know that on average, tigers give birth to 2-3 cubs in each litter?
2. Mom says enough play time for today!
Mama tigress carrying infant cub directly in front of guests on Nat Hab’s India wildlife photo safari. Photo credit: Rita Russell
On average, tigers give birth every 2-2.5 years. If all the cubs in one litter die, a second litter may be produced within 5 months.
3. Somebody’s asking, ” Is it Monday already?”
©Eric Kilby via Flickr
Males of the largest tiger subspecies, the Amur (Siberian) tiger, may weigh up to an impressive 660 pounds!
4. This guy sure enjoys taking a nice afternoon dip!
©Mark Hickey
Did you know that a full-grown tiger can consume up to 88 pounds of meat at one time!?
5. This Sumatran tiger can’t help but look regal
©Dupan Pandu via Wikimedia Commons
Tigers have been known to reach the grand old age of 26 years in the wild!
6. Picture time, “CHEESE!!!”
Young tiger cub at Burgers’ Zoo via Wikimedia Commons
Sadly, only about half of all tiger cubs survive for more than two years.
7. “Come here, you!”
©saqopakajmer
Tigers generally gain independence at two years of age and attain sexual maturity at 3-4 years for females and at 4-5 years for males.
Learn how our partners at the World Wildlife Fund are doing all that they can to help conserve tiger populations around the world, and if you want to do your part to protect this majestic animal you can find out how at the official International Tiger Day website!
Journey to see tigers in the wild and the rest of what India has to offer on our Grand India Wildlife Adventure!
