Sadly, this metal cage is actually a typical “habitat” for the world’s largest population of tigers. The estimated 5-7,000 tigers that live in captivity in the U.S. outnumber those in the wild in Asia and Russia – but their standard of living is a great deal poorer.

Shockingly, lions, tigers and leopards weighing up to 600 pounds are actually being kept in backyards, basements and even city apartments. Bought as adorable cubs, they quickly outgrow their owners’ ability to care for them.

Most of the tigers in America -- along with more than 10,000 lions, leopards and other big cats here – aren’t found at accredited zoos.  Instead, these big cat victims of the exotic animal trade live in cramped and appalling conditions in substandard sanctuaries, unregulated roadside and amateur zoos, backyards – and even city apartments.  Not only are these magnificent felines at risk – but obviously, so are people living nearby these dangerous animals.   

In August 2005, Haley Hilderbrand, a 17-year-old Kansas teenager, was tragically killed by a Siberian tiger at a USDA-licensed wildlife facility while having her picture taken.  In other cases, children have been dragged under fences and killed or severely injured by big cats.  
 
Please contact your Representative to cosponsor Haley's Act to prohibit direct contact between big cats and to increase the fine for violations of the animal welfare act (promoting better care of tigers, lions and other big cats already in captivity, since they can never be safely returned to their native habitats). 

 Let’s work together to end the cruel confinement of these extraordinary animals who are clearly “born to be wild.”