Winner of the 2025 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

Guest judge Jo-Anne McArthur had this to say about the photo:

‘What Are We Teaching?’ stands out in this competition with a strong message. Tigers are in the predicament they are in because of humans, and here we have a young human in the picture. The photo speaks of animals, culture, oppression, learning, and, the potential for a better future. What will this child learn? It’s up to us to teach. This image also has a unique composition, the two subjects are looking toward each other. Congratulations on a strong and emotive image!

Runner up in the 2025 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“In the fall of 2022, the Compound Manager at S&R Productions got news that the Secret Garden in Las Vegas was closing. The Mirage had been sold and all animals had to be rehomed. After an extensive search and recommendations from the Compound Manager, the Sarmoti Foundation selected WildCat Ridge Sanctuary to provide lifetime care for six tigers.

“Hirah and Maharani were born in 2015 and are the daughters of Svengali and Indira. Maharani is brave, curious, and loves to pose for our photographer.”

Runner up in the 2025 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Sundara was originally from a facility in California where they would take animals around as ‘ambassadors’. Unfortunately the way they would do this is by teaching them to walk on a leash. Luckily for Sundara she was deemed ‘untrainable’ and was placed with us. Sundara is known as our summer girl because she absolutely loves her pool, but she also really enjoys the winters here, where she can relax out in the peaceful snow.”

Runner up in the 2025 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Mac was WildCat Ridge Sanctuary’s first tiger arriving in 2010 with his sister Shirley. He was a force of nature and taught everyone at the sanctuary how to love and care for tigers. He unfortunately developed fibro-sarcoma and left us too soon.”

Runner up in the 2025 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Laredo Border Control contacted us in April of 2022 saying that they had found a tiger cub and needed to find a home for her. We accepted and drove down to Laredo to pick her up. We were originally told that she was about three months old, but by her size, she was probably closer to two months old. She had been found in a house when the police went in for an unrelated reason.”

Runner up in the 2025 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

Finalist in the 2025 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Yoda is a retired breeder from the Species Survival Program and will live out the rest of her life in comfort and luxury.”

Finalist in the 2025 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Top Cat was originally part of a breeding pair (with enclosure-mate Millie) at an unaccredited roadside zoo in OH. They were surrendered together due to the changing legal regulations that were enacted in the state after the 2011 Zanesville Massacre. They arrived in 2013. Top Cat has been neutered, so there is no chance of accidental pregnancy, in keeping with our no-breeding policy.”

Finalist in the 2025 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“How do you know when an animal feels safe? When they can sleep belly up to the sky with no worries.

“Bigelow, a tiger born into captivity, spent his early years at a roadside zoo that bred wild animals so they could sell photo and play sessions with their cubs. When the zoo shut down, more than 100 animals urgently needed placement. PAWS was one of several reputable sanctuaries to offer a lifelong care—welcoming eight tigers, including Bigelow, in 2017.

“Bigelow is one of three brothers rescued by PAWS, each with unique characteristics. His coat is a rich, dark orange-brown color, setting him apart from his siblings. While Bigelow enjoys his own space, he shares a fence line with his brothers, allowing them to stay connected while honoring his personal preferences.”

Finalist in the 2025 Tigers in America-Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day.

“Dayo (mother) and Mabel (daughter), along with seven other tigers, were donated to In-Sync Exotics in 2022. The tigers are typical of some of In-Sync’s past rescues — they were used in the entertainment industry including TV and film appearances, photo shoots, and circus performances.

“Dayo and Mabel live with their family, The Marvels, who consists of Pasha (father), Dayo (mother), Mabel (daughter), Sheba (daughter), and Gunther (son). All cats were spayed/neutered after arriving at In-Sync Exotics. It took them a few months to settle in, but they now are living their best lives. They all love to hang out on their huge playground, often chasing each other around playfully. In the photo, they had just found the watermelons placed in their pool and suddenly, Dayo and Mable leapt out of the pool and a playful chase ensued.”