Saving Endangered Animals

My name is Carla. Some people in my country think that lions and tigers shouldn't be saved, because there are too many of them.

I don't think that way. One time I went to my Uncle's house in a large forest and I saw tiger coats and carpets there. I felt so sorry for them! They were killed just for their precious coats. That's when I decided that I want to save the tigers and lions of our country and all over the world! Many of these deaths can be stopped. Humans can stop lions from having to kill each other if they give them enough territory to hunt in. That means not cutting down the environment that the lions need to live in. Humans can also stop hunting lions and tigers for fun or for their skins.

The Perils of the Wild

It's true that a lioness may have nine cubs. But it is very likely that the mother will have to defend her babies in a horrible attack by another lion that lives in the area. That is because they are competing for the same territory to hunt in. Here's why animals must be protected. It is because of what is likely to happen to those nine babies in the wild. After the aggressive lion kills the mother, it sniffs around to find her babies. The babies hide under a rock when the attacking lion gets close, but they all don't fit under there, so one baby stays half out or the lion digs under the rock after them. The lion takes one baby with its teeth and kills them. After the lion goes away, the rest of the cubs come out.

Now, there's no mother to take care of the cubs. And there are snakes everywhere in the wilderness. Cubs are likely to get bitten. Let's say one gets bitten and dies. Also, babies do not know how to defend themselves or how to get food. So now, three of them are likely to die of hunger. That leaves only four cubs. Then the hunters come and three of them are killed for their beautiful skins. That leaves only one cub who will survive. This actually happens to many cubs.

How You Can Help

Most people don't notice how graceful tigers are...people hunt them because of their beautiful fur coats. Other people hunt them for fun and sport. The entire world talks about saving endangered animals, but then do nothing to stop hunters from killing them. But there are things we can do. One way we can help is not to buy fur coats made out of real tiger skin. Tell your family and friends not to do it. We should always buy coats that have been stamped with tiger stripes and spots. You can also tell the leaders of your countries that you want more land set aside for lions and tigers and other animals to live in. These links have more information.

For More Information
Lion and Tiger Links

The Asiatic Lion Information Center

The Tiger Information Center is dedicated to providing information to help preserve the remaining five subspecies of tigers. There's quizzes, fun interactive games and news about a tour "Save the Tigers" coming to your local zoo soon!

World Wildlife Fund's Help Save Tigers and Rhinos Site!

Thanks to Carla, 12, of Panama for writing this Animal Fun Facts and Angela for editing it. Thanks to the Lion Gallery, Tiger Info center for the link and the photograph by the World Wildlife Fund.