We should not punish any animal for being born, nor should we punish them for being in the wrong place. These animals have no control over who buys or sells them, where they live, or the conditions in which they must exist. It is all up to their owner. They are dependent upon us two-legged animals for their health and happiness. Scary, isn't it?

It is hard for most people to imagine a homeless tiger. After all, a person must be properly licensed and have an adequate enclosure to get a tiger in the first place, right? Wrong! Many states have no licensing requirements and no regulations regarding big cats. The result is that lions, tigers, and other big cats are purchased as pets by uninformed people.

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By the time they realize that the

words "tiger" and "pet" don't belong

in the same sentence, it is too late.

There is no way to make a pet, in

the common sense of the word,

out of a tiger, lion, or any other big

cat. So the owner must find a new

home for the unfortunate cat before

it destroys their home and maims

their children.
 

Too often the big cats are kept in tiny cages at roadside zoos where uncaring tourists can torment them at their leisure. Or a breeder thinks he or she can get rich by selling the cubs. Sometimes the owner's interest is not the best interest for the animal and they become only a commodity whose purpose is to make money. And the less money spent on the cats - the more profit for the                                                             pocket. This usually results in the cats being kept in inhumane                                                             conditions until there are finally enough complaints that                                                                         charges are brought against the owners. They are cited by the                                                             local sheriff or USDA and told they must "get rid of" the cats.

                                                           Even when a big cat has led a relatively good life, it can                                                                         suddenly find itself at risk. Do you ever wonder what happens                                                             to a big cat when its owner becomes seriously ill and can no                                                                 longer care for it? Or where a big cat goes when it is taken?

                                                           Most would answer, "the zoos take them!" Nope, wrong again.                                                             Although many zoos got their start long ago by taking pets

                                                           that private owners could not keep, it would today be like                                                                     asking a breeder of registered, purebred dogs to add a     

                                                           mongrel to his collection. Considering that space is limited in   

                                                           zoos you can see why zoos cannot and will not take big cats   

                                                           simply because they need a home.

Zoo visitors also expect to see animals in perfect condition, so zoos need a place for their animals when they become too old and arthritic, or otherwise unsuitable to be on public display.

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Which is where Tiger Haven comes in!

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