International Tiger Day 2016
It is arguably one of the most beautiful and enchanting creatures on our planet. It is the symbol of strength and courage for many. However, most importantly, its purpose on our planet as a top of the food chain predator is essential to a healthy ecosystem.
At the beginning 20th century there were nine subspecies of tiger, but sadly by the end of the 20th century three species, the Caspian, Bali and Javan were believed extinct and the others, Siberian, Indochinese, South China, Bengal and Sumatran were endangered or critically endangered.
International Tiger Day, also known as Global Tiger Day, is an annual event created at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit 6 years ago. The events purpose is to raise public awareness and promote the protection of the Tiger in it's natural habitat. This painting was created as the tiger is one of the most iconic and yet most endangered of all cats. The painting 'Sumatran Tiger, Tapir & Calf' is life size measuring 3 meters in height and 7 meters in length, so people from all walks of life and not just a selected few, could experience a tiger up close and appreciate its natural beauty.
Today we would like to celebrate the annual event by thanking all the charities and organisations that are working hard to save our tigers, (WWF, EIA, Born Free Foundation, Panthera, LDF), to name a few. We ask you all to show your support to them, in any way you can. If we look after our tigers and their habitat, a multitude of species will benefit and in turn we will benefit, as will our future generations.