"Zoo" on CBS

Late in the winter, we were contacted by CBS looking for a circus tiger act for the filming of a TV show called "Zoo" about animals going crazy all over the world. This obviously did not sound conducive to portraying a positive image of my animals and their lives but after further discussion with the producers and directors, it seemed like a great opportunity to participate. In late February, the film crew flew out from New Orleans for a days filming of the sequence of events on site concerning the tigers and the circus big top. It was a great experience and very interesting to see the process of making a television show. The directors were all very sensitive to the needs of the animals and the requirements for safety. I can't wait to see how it all comes together tonight !

FAQ - Tiger Origins

CWe are often asked where the tigers come from before they join our group. All the cats are 100% red, white and blue blooded Americans. With the passage of the Endangered Species Act in the 1970s, tigers and other threatened species are not rarely, if ever, captured from the wild for import. The individuals in our group range in birth from Florida to Wisconsin. They all found a good home here from other good homes. None were "rescues," a word used often by "sanctuaries" to help bring in donations. Always remember, an animal doesn't have to have a bad past to have a good present.

From the Wild

Good news for Indian tigers - India's seventh largest state of Karnataka is home to 400 tigers - 25% of those in the country, though it only consists of less than 6% of India's landmass. A new cost-effective means of expanding the protected areas for wild tigers has increased those ranges by 927 square miles. Keep in mind these numbers, though - the state makes up less than 6% of India's landmass and, with the expansions, less than 6% of the state is protected reserve for wild tigers, yet the state is home to the largest population of tigers in India, fighting for room against a population of 61 million people.

http://news.mongabay.com/2015/0629-mrn-gfrn-watsa-tiger-protected-areas-expanded-in-karnataka.html

Improvements

We enjoyed a no-show day yesterday in Acushnet, Mass., where we will be performing for the next three days. While the tigers relaxed, we worked at making a few upgrades on the show pedestals. New diamond plate seat tops were added and will soon be followed with an LED light underglow. Don't forget the premier of "Zoo" tonight on CBS, but we will not be featured until the second episode next week.