How to Sponsor a Rescued Pet Tiger

Sponsoring a rescued tiger can save its life by supporting the organization that is caring for it. Tigers can be very expensive to feed, house and treat medically, and sponsorship through donations and time can ensure that they will be taken care of humanely and safely. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Sponsor a Rescued Pet Tiger

1. Sponsor a rescued tiger by contacting sanctuaries dedicated to providing homes for tigers that have been removed from abusive situations.
2. Know that many sanctuaries are overcrowded and depend upon donations to properly feed and house big cats who often require extensive medical care.
3. Adopt a pet tiger at the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (see Resources below). Visit their website and click on "Adopt a Pet Tiger." Then visit each big cat's page by clicking the link leading to it. Sponsors receive a newsletter, t-shirt and visitation rights if arranged in advance. As a sponsor, your donation will go directly toward caring for your tiger.
4. Know that you can also sponsor rescued pet tigers in memoriam through the Big Cat Rescue website (see Resources below). You can make a 1-time donation or monthly sustained donation, which will also go toward the care of tigers living at the sanctuary.
5. Be aware that corporate sponsors can make a difference by sponsoring entire facilities such as the Born Free sanctuary which houses tigers rescued from circuses.
6. Donate goods such as beach towels, shovels, rakes, farm equipment, vitamins, building supplies and meat to support pet sanctuaries.
7. Make donations to cover the cost of feeding tigers, which can consume between 15 to 20 lbs. of raw meat per day. Donations also go toward building habitats, providing toys and creating safe and sanitary conditions.

Tips & Warnings

• Volunteer time to a local sanctuary such as the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS) if you don't have the money to make a donation. Volunteers are trained to prepare meals, perform cleaning tasks and raise money for the organization.
• Know that there are between 10,000 and 15,000 big cats privately owned in the United States. Many can be purchased for less than a cost of purebred dog. Owners who soon lose interest or who become overwhelmed with the time and financial commitments may try unsuccessfully to give their pet tiger away, or these pets may be confiscated. Sanctuaries are often inundated with unwanted or abused tigers and exotic pets.