Tigers in a better place?

Question

Ok so I know for a fact that people take tigers as pets, then when they grow up, they sell them to the Black Market. I want to prevent this by taking some in. I'm going to have a HUGE backyard, with all the things necessary to make them as happy as can be. These tigers will be the kind that don't know how to be wild, and need my care. I'll keep them long enough, and I'll hire trainers to help them become a lil more wild, then put them back in the wild. If they can't go back, then I'll keep them happy.

The only thing is, I need to know the types of things that they need in their environment. I also need to know any problems or anything that I might have. I'll wear gloves and some light armor when I'm with them just incase. Anything you guys can give me is sweet ^-^

Answer 1

Um. wow....

You obviously have no idea of how to take care of tigers.  Besides, you can never take the 'wild instinct' out of a tiger.  Even zookeepers have to be careful with them, even if they're been raised in captivity, and I doubt that your 'backyard' would be big enough anyway.  

If you want to help tigers, I suggest finding a tiger sanctuary that is already in existence and asking them how you can help.

Answer 2

Zookeeper is spot on. You can't remove natural tendencies from an animal, but you can beat, whip, or electrocute them into submission. This is ultimately what happens to the wild animals people take in as pets (not just tigers, but lions, pumas, leopards, other predatory beasts).

Your goal is quite admirable, and is a dream of mine as well. Someday, it may be real for me. If you want to really succeed, I suggest you visit Tiger Haven

http://www.tigerhaven.org/

and see what they've done and what is required to pull off something like what you propose.

Best of luck. Our friends hiding in the tall reed grasses need as much as they can get.

--Tiger Lover

Answer 3

I can see you love tigers, which, of course, is wonderful.

Your plan, on the other hand (or paw) are quite flawed. Exactly how many acres is your backyard? A tiger's territory usually ranges from about 10 to 30 square miles (26-78 sq. kilometers). Siberian tigers may even have more expansive territories (as large as 120 square miles). Their territories are not the only things big about tigers: they can reach up to 13 feet (4 meters) in total length and weigh up to 660 pounds (300 kilograms). Hardly a house cat, if you ask me. If these facts don't deter you, consider where you live; Nineteen states have banned private ownership of tigers, fifteen require a license, and sixteen states have no regulations at all. Tigers are WILD ANIMALS. Like Luthien said, you simply cannot "take out" a tiger's natural instincts. If you truly want to  help these awesome creatures, support tiger conservation funds or visit a zoo or sanctuary to see how you can help.

Answer 4

Hmmm...it's is going to be a wild ride. Even zoo tigers don't do well in captivity.

"Tigers are hunters—predators armed with tools and instincts shaped by nature to be efficient and explosive killers," ..... "Birth in a cage, attended by loving humans, does not alter the animal's nature nor eliminate his capabilities; captive breeding does not wipe away the effect of millions of years of evolution and selection for success in the wild." - Richard Faranito (HSUS)

Remember the incident with the gorgeous white tiger, Montecore, belonging to performers Siegfried and Roy?

Also, keeping an exotic animal is a huge task since their diet alone will take a huge chunk out of your bank account, not including the special enclosure that has to built to house them, veterinary care and if you do have one, you need to be there for them and will not be able to go away on a Carribean vacation for instance.

Licensing and permit is often hard to obtain and you need to adhere to the strictest regulations and procedures in keeping exotics. You are also subjected to annual inspection and evaluation by the regulator.

I am happy with my domestic cat and she alone is keeping me up in my toes. So, no tiger for me. :)