Criminal

An illustration of a tiger.

Tiger

Episode #46

2016-06-30 20:52:46

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There are more tigers in captivity in America than wild tigers in the entire world. The exact number of captive tigers in this country isn’t known, because many of them live in people’s backyards or unaccredited zoos, and the legality of their ownership varies widely by state and even by circumstance. We travelled to Louisiana to see a 550-pound Siberian-Bengal tiger who lives at a truck stop. The owner, Michael Sandlin, has fought very hard to persuade Louisiana lawmakers he’s not a criminal. But animal rights activists and organizations, like the Humane Society and the Animal Legal Defense Fund, disagree.

Mike standing next to Tony in his cage.

Tony behind the register.

Tony's cage, with a sign advertising: TIGER, CAFE.

Mike sitting on a sofa with a blanket wrapped around him, snuggling with two small tiger cubs.

All photos from Michael Sandlin’s website.

See more photos, and learn more about Michael Sandlin’s effort to keep Tony at the Tiger Truck Stop here. Learn more about the Animal Legal Defense Fund‘s campaign to re-home Tony here.