How to Adopt a Tiger

Throughout the world, tigers are threatened by the expansion of human habitation, environmental pollution, hunting and loss of habitat. Sumatran and Bengal tigers appear on international lists of endangered animals, and wild tigers everywhere face threats to their continued existence. There are several ways to help support projects that protect tigers, from international wildlife funds to local zoos.

Instructions

1. Read some websites and learn the problems tigers are facing. Learn about different adopting programs and strategies. All wild animal adoption programs involve sending money to help animals, but programs have different information and incentive strategies.

2. Call your local zoo and get information about their fund-raising and possible adoption programs.

3. Decide which program best suits your intentions. If you are adopting a tiger as a family or for a class you are teaching, you may want to find a program linked to a zoo or wild animal preserve where you can visit "your" tiger or tigers like the one you have adopted. If your major intention stems from personal concerns for preserving tigers, you may make a different choice.

4. Be flexible. As you learn more about environmental threats to tigers, you are also likely to learn about protecting other kinds of wild animals and programs that address environmental threats directly. Even if you had planned to teach your second-grade class all about tigers, you may find a program that actually has more effect and better educational materials without directly preserving tigers. Keep an open mind.

5. Explore the different financial options of programs that interest you. There may be teacher discounts, field trips, educational materials and even T-shirts available. Choose the program that best expresses your concern for preserving wildlife and animal habitats.

Tips & Warnings

• Local zoos may be willing to help you create a school-based adoption program, even if they do not have one in place. Ask them also about projected new acquisitions or new construction. Your family can feel part of the action as they watch the new sea-lion habitat being constructed. Your class will feel strongly involved if they know the names of the tigers at your zoo and can save pennies to buy a toy for their adopted animals.

• Some programs do not have time or resources to support personal concerns beyond acknowledgment of your financial gift. That doesn't make them less worthy, just busier doing what they do best.