The Eye of the Tiger

[Tronhard]

We have two extremely rare Sumatran Tigers at the Auckland Zoo. They are the second most rare of the species - the most rare being the Siberian Tiger.  There are barely 400 such animals left and they are subject to poaching for their skins, body parts for remedies and for private collectors, and they are losing habitat, they are in significant danger. The few reserves they should be safe in are porous and are subject to locals encroaching in them for wood, food and to graze their animals. This results in conflict where tigers attack humans, where a single attack may result in several tigers being hunted and killed.

The male and female are from different zoos and the hope is that they will mate, which is being attempted currently.

The Male:
EOS R6 RF 24-240@240mm, f/6.3, 1/250sec, ISO-800

The FemaleEOS R6 RF 24-240@150mm, f/6.3, 1/160sec, ISO-1600

[shadowsports]

Very nice Trevor!

[Tronhard]

Thanks Rick!

[Tintype_18]

Excellent photos. Seems like the expression is a reaction to their predicament in this world. I would be upset, too.

[Tronhard]

Thank you John.  Yep, like many animals they are in a distressing situation.  I can only shake my head at the greed, short-sightedness and stupidity of the human race.
There is a lot of effort going on to try to save these animals, with armed guards constantly active, but the poachers are armed as well, so it can get ugly.  Also, many of the poachers are low-hanging fruit, in that they are very poor and ignorant locals who have been paid a relative pittance by middle-men, but the real king-pins are in other countries and very well heeled.