They Grow So Fast…

It is easy to see how quickly baby tigers become seriously large and powerful big cats. Somehow this seems largely ignored when someone decides to acquire a very young tiger. Or pay to pet one. What happens between 3 months and 6 months? A cute baby becomes a cat who can seriously hurt you. Just grabbing your Achilles tendon…

At 18 months they are big, energetic and playful way beyond safety. At two years they are almost full-grown and eat a lot of meat. Assuming you provide all nutrients and dietary requirements as well as vet care you are looking at $5000–$10,000 per year per tiger. Given the best lives in captivity possible tigers commonly reach 20 years of age.

Chloe was rescued in April 2013 and her pregnancy was not noticeable. She gave birth in June to 5 female cubs. Almost 2 years later they are quite a challenge to keep happy, healthy and entertained.

There is a lot of glamor and public interest in rescuing tigers from bad places, but few people understand what it actually takes to provide a good life for a captive tiger. Sanctuaries always need your help.

These photos were taken by Stephen D. McCloud: http://stephendmccloud.smugmug.com/EFRC/ and the albums with the cubs start in 2013.