CUTE, VERY CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*pokes tiger nose*

*pets his head*

Just curious -- what's your position on private (that is, individual) ownership of big cats?

Well, personally, I think if you have the space, finance, knowledge, and experience to keep that animal happy, healthy, and safe, I think it's alright. It's when people jump in with out a clue that the animal suffers. I think someone should work with that animal as much as they can first, get to know people that work with that species, learn everything you can about it first. Never bring any animal home on a whim, no matter what it is. No see ya got me preaching again! =^-^=

*nods* For me, I think there are so few people who have all those qualities that I'd happily support a ban on private individuals owning big cats. Personally, I don't see any good reason for someone to own an animal that requires so much specialized knowledge, space, and security, unless it's within a zoo, sanctuary, or similar setting. Otherwise, it's just human ego and wanting to live with the exotic.

I do respect your stance, but I have to also admit, I'm always surprised to see sanctuaries take an officially neutral position (on their websites or wherever) when they're the ones who have to clean up after so many irresponsible owners. :/ But at least there's agreement that taking care of such animals is far more difficult than most people assume. >^_^<

(Or at the very least, there should be some kind of mandated licensing/training. I mean, look at what someone has to go through to legally keep falcons or hawks and train them -- apprenticeships, licensing, being limited to certain species until they've had a certain number of years' successful experience and handling -- and all that for something that couldn't potentially kill someone if they don't have it properly secured.)

I can't stand people that bring an animal home without having any idea how to care for it, or even worse what it is. I met a person once who was telling me about their pet bird and I asked what kind it was. Their answer was, I don't know, a green bird? *screams*
We have an albino raccoon at Safari's that was donated at nine weeks old by a guy that bought her but didn't realize he would have bottled feed her. He asked if he could just feed her once a day. Of course it's also the breeders fault for not informing him properly. Although I have no desire to have my very own tiger, there are some exotic animals I would like to have, but for me it wouldn't be a status symbol of course, it would be because I love those animals so much that I want to have the experience of caring for them and sharing my life with them.
I'm glad you brought up the falconry, I think that is one of the best programs, and should be applied to so many other animals, venomous reptiles, crocodilians, primates, bears, wolves, and of course, big cats. A certain amount of time training with a "professional" and starting out with a easier animal. It might seem like a big ordeal to go through but these animals are a life commitment and should be treated as such. Thats so cool that I found someone that has the same view in this aspect of animal care.

We have three Amur tigers at our zoo right now. I understand about "mutts" The lion population had that problem too. Our lions are pure Africans, born in the Krugeri National Park. Their cubs are worth their weight in gold. See NiconaShadowwolf's userpage for pics.
I also discourage reptiles as pets when I'm doing an education program. But if someone insists, I tell them "research, research, research!"

So true, I always go about preaching reptiles. And telling people bearded dragons are a much better choice then an iguana, and that a corn snake would be better then a red tail boa for their kid. When people come to Safari's asking about if we sell our animals for pets or where they can get a monkey/wolf/tiger/bobcat we offer that they come volunteer with us and see how taking care of an adult animal will be and how much it costs. It usually changes their minds. =^-^=

It's amazing what a difference a little education can make. I even discourage bearded dragons as pets. But they are easier than iguanas.

Bearded dragons are way better then the other popular options, savanna monitors and chameleons.