A race against extinction for tigers
PRESIDENT PARK - According to International Tiger Day organizers, 97 percent of all tigers have been lost in 100 years.
It is with this in mind that the Lory Park Zoo and Owl Sanctuary in President Park has decided to celebrate the day on 23 August, to highlight the importance of the preservation of this endangered wild cat.
“We do celebrate Tiger Day every year as we have a successful Siberian Tiger breeding project at the zoo,” said Jeanette Fourie of the zoo.
The zoo has yet to reach the numbers of people that they would like but they are hopeful, “Last year, we had a turnout of about 20 people, which is better than nothing but we are obviously hoping for a better response this year,” she added.
Visitors can expect a fun-filled day with their families and the animals at the zoo.
Fourie also stated that the celebration was in collaboration with The Race Against Extinction organisation. “Most of the donations go into this organisation.” With only a reported 3200 tigers left in the world, the zoo can use every pen that they can get.
