Dr. Chloe Wilde is our wildlife biologist. She studied ecology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Her favorite topic of study is conservation. Dr. Wilde is passionate about learning about and teaching others about how they can help wild cat populations, including reducing their use of products with palm oil in them. Though Carolina Tiger Rescue does not have any, Dr. Wilde’s favorite animal to study is the clouded leopard.
Dr. Wilde’s Blog 7/29/20
Today, we celebrate the mighty tiger. Happy International Tiger Day!
It’s one of our favorite days of the year, a day that unites people around the world in the fight to save tigers! Tigers are endangered meaning they are at risk of going extinct. In 1900, there were about 100,000 of them in the wild. Today, there are only about 3,800 wild tigers. Sadly, habitat loss and poaching have hurt the tiger population. International Tiger Day was created in 2010 to raise awareness about these amazing predators and spread the news that they need our help. What can you do?
One way to help wild tigers from the comfort of your own home is to buy and use less palm oil. About 300 football fields of tiger habitat are destroyed every hour to make palm oil which is then used in things like shampoo, peanut butter, and frozen meals. Learn more about palm oil in Dr. Hunter’s Earth Day post. By avoiding things that contain palm oil, you can help end the loss of tiger habitat.
It is important to help captive tigers as well, which means the tigers that live under human care. Avoid places that allow you to pet and hold cubs – it is never safe for you or the animals. Support the places that truly respect their animals and give their animals the best care possible. And one of my favorite things to do – tell people about your favorite tigers at Carolina Tiger Rescue! Spreading your love for tigers and sharing our tigers’ stories will likely help others join the fight to save them.
Lastly, if you’re feeling artsy, join me in my celebration by doing a tiger craft from our Activities page. Have a paw-some International Tiger Day!
