Photo by Melissa.
Finalist in the 2024 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.
“Ima is a white bengal tiger born in captivity in Oklahoma. She was named Ima Sweetie Pie to make her seem less like a dangerous animal and more like a money-making prop to be used for pay-to-play when she was just a tiny baby. Ima, and 2 other white tigers: Prince and Elvis, and Patronus the golden tabby liger were seized by the authorities and placed at Black Pine for the REST of their lives as of January 2022.
“Ears eaten away by flies, bones and joints of tigers twice their ages, short legs and crossed-eyes are just a few of the indicators that Ima and her friends did not have a great start in life. Obviously inbred, poor nutrition and inadequate habitats were just a few of the grave mistakes made that were detrimental to the health of these beautiful cats.
“We are proud to provide these amazing animals with the REST of their lives at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary. It has been a joy to watch their personalities come alive and to just witness them be cats. They enjoy their enrichment time, their perches and the freedom to be around people or to retire to their ‘bedrooms’ any time they please.”