In the months since the premier of Tiger King, I have found myself inundated with questions regarding my name. Mahamayavi Bhagavan Antle is my given name, not some alias as implied by national animal rights groups.
I was born in Phoenix, Arizona and grew up on my parent’s cattle ranch in southern California. My mother was interested in eastern philosophy and chose my Hindu name, Mahamayavi Bhagavan Antle. Because of difficulties with pronunciation, I went by “Kevin” in school.
When I was a young man, I studied Chinese Medicine. My friends started calling me “Doc.” The nickname stuck. Most people now call me by my nickname, “Doc Antle.” That’s all there is to it— Nothing to do with the salacious story told by Tiger King, nor dark implications by Carole Baskin and her animal rights friends bent on destroying my reputation— Just a man with an unusual name. That is all.
Those that subscribe to the Rare Species Fund Newsletter likely remember the story of Ranger Hendri Saputra, who was swept away by the Krueng Inong River while on Patrol in the Luecer Ecosystem, Soraya Station in Sumatra, Indonesia last November. His body was found 20 miles down river days later. Hendri is a hero in the cause of conservation, and is survived by his wife and young daughter. The Rare Species Fund will be doing a fundraiser to help his wife and daughter.
FKL Ranger Hendri Saptura
Hendri died to save the earth. Goodbye Friend. We will continue your struggle for the environment and forests, and for a better national life.— Dr. Rudi Putra, Director FKL
The job of Wildlife Protection Ranger is an unforgiving and dangerous job. Rangers don’t work easy days and go home to their families at night. Nor do they receive many of the benefits that Rangers in the USA do. The life insurance that they do have, is quite modest by western standards. Rangers walk into the bush for a month at a time on patrol. They face armed poachers, eat, sleep, and patrol under difficult conditions, all while risking their lives to protect tigers, orangutans, rhinos and other critically endangered species. When something goes wrong, help is not close by. And their families can suffer.
Hendri was the best of the best. He will be remembered as a hero of conservation.— Doc Antle, Director RSF
The Rare Species Fund contributions to Forum Konservasi Leuser have completely rebuilt the Soraya Station— a research and ranger outpost deep in the Leuser ecosystem. We outfitted a team of Wildlife Protection Rangers, and helped to buy back land from small palm oil farmers— restoring the area to its natural state by cutting down non-native palm oil trees, and replanting native plants. In this way we have been able reclaim critical habitat, and protect it for the many critically endangered species that call the Leuser home. Hendri Saputra was a leader and a hero in this effort. Poaching is down by 90% since RSF funded FKL Rangers were deployed.
We would like to thank all of the Nagan Raya SAR, military, police and individuals from nearby communities who mounted the search and rescue operation. Hendri was loved by many.
FKL Wildlife Protection Rangers preparing to go on patrol at Soraya Station.
Please join the Rare Species Fund mailing list to get details of a fundraiser we will be doing to provide support to Hendri Saptura’s widow and daughter.
Tiger King, the new drama series that debuted on Netflix last week, is not a documentary, it is quasi-fictional drama, more interested in shock value and titillation than fact. While focusing on dramatizing the real life rivalry between Joe “Exotic” and Carole Baskin and their crazy “murder for hire,” made for reality TV hi jinx , the insinuation that TIGERS/ Myrtle Beach Safari exploits tiger cubs is a reprehensible misrepresentation.
We were told by Tiger King producers, that the show would focus on our enriching habitats and all of the conservation work that is at the heart of what we do. TIGERS/ Myrtle Beach Safari has a massive, state of the art facility, unequaled anywhere in the world. We provide our animals with unprecedented 24/7 care and attention from a trained, professional staff. Enrichment opportunities for our cats and primates are unique to us among even the best of zoos in this country— Illustrating our good work is the bill of goods the directors of Tiger King sold to secure our participation.
Tiger King producers spent many days on our property witnessing what we do— socializing, exercising, interacting, training and providing only wholesome, biologically appropriate nutrition to all of the animals in our care. However, the filmmakers chose to omit all of the positive work we do with and for animals in their Netflix “mockumentary”.
Instead, Tiger King focuses on the salacious personalities, conflicts and crimes of Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, and then attempts to paint our program with the same brush as their third rate, inadequate backyard operations. It’s incomprehensible. TIGERS/ Myrtle Beach Safari is a multi-million dollar, cutting edge wonderland for rare and endangered species that attracts visitors from around the world. If a trip into the world of Joe Exotic and his rival Carole Baskin is a ride through the trailer park, visiting the exceptional amenities we offer our animals is like arriving at the Ritz Carlton.
It is important to understand that all of our cubs are born here at the preserve and are part of our breeding program (Species Survival Trust or SST) that is conducted in partnership with Brian W. Davis, Ph.D, an Assistant Professor of Genomics in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences in the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, and the founder of the Exotic Genome Repository. This distinguishes our programs from others. Our cubs are not bred solely for the purpose of being part of our interactive programs. They are bred as a conservation measure to help ensure species survival. Our captive tiger breeding program creates an invisible ark for the genetic backup of wild tiger populations that are threatened throughout the world by loss of habitat. Without conservation through captive breeding, the species face extinction.
Contrary to the false assertions made in the Tiger King, our tiger cubs are never euthanized or sold. They do not end up in dead end sanctuaries, in cramped, rusty cages. They remain at our preserve for their entire lives— either here on site at TIGERS, or they are transferred to an accredited zoological facility that is a partner in our breeding program (SST) to help support genetic diversity in captive tigers.
Because we breed with the expectation of keeping our tigers into their old age, we produce very few cubs per year. We are a seasonal business in Myrtle Beach open only 8 months per year. Visitors to our facilities are permitted three days per week, and highly supervised interaction takes place with only 3-6 cubs for 20 minutes per tour maximum. Cubs are allowed to meet guests on a limited basis until the age of 16-20 weeks old.
TIGERS/ Myrtle Beach Safari adheres to all of the regulations and guidelines set out by the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA), as administered by the Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Tigers are an endangered species, and as such FWS and USDA require extensive documentation regarding welfare, births, deaths, transport and changing dispositions of our animals. We submit to regular inspections of our facility and audits of all of our records. TIGERS/ Myrtle Beach Safari has never been found to be in violation of the AWA, nor the ESA.
The amazing moments that visitors are able to spend with our animal ambassadors are instrumental in helping our non-profit charity, the Rare Species Fund (RSF), support many of the last wild places on Earth. Premiums paid by visitors have funded the RSF’s reopening of Soraya Forest Research Station in Sumatra. Soraya Station is located in one of the most important research and conservation locals in the world. They protect many critically endangered species; tigers, elephants, rhinos, and orangutans— standing guard to one of the very last precious pieces of our world’s unique wildlife system where tigers still live in the wild. Poaching is down 90% in the area since RSF was able to fund payment for wildlife rangers at Soraya. This is just one example of the realization of our dream; creating ambassador programs that support and invest people in on-the-ground conservation around the globe. We believe the experience we have created at Myrtle Beach Safari is unlike any you will ever achieve elsewhere, but more importantly, it can truly transform the world.
Success at Soraya Station In 2016, international film star, Leonardo DiCaprio gave unprecedented attention to the work of Dr. Rudi Putra’s Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL) at Soraya Station in Sumatra. DiCaprio was making a National Geographic documentary on climate change, and was persuaded to tour the Leuser Ecosystem. The exposure for the conservation work being done in Leuser by Dr. Putra, the FKL Rangers, and the Rare Species Fund (RSF) was priceless.
Since 2016, the Rare Species Fund has been assisting Dr. Putra to do the grueling daily work of conservation in the daunting Leuser Ecosystem. RSF contributions to Forum Konservasi Leuser have completely rebuilt the Soraya Station— a research and ranger outpost deep in the Leuser. We also outfitted a team of Wildlife Protection Rangers, and helped to buy back land from small palm oil farmers— restoring the area to its natural state by cutting down non-native palm oil trees, and replanting native plants. In this way we have been able reclaim critical habitat, and protect it for the many critically endangered species that call the Leuser Ecosystem home.
Your funding [RSF] is very important for maintaining our activities in Soraya Station… —Dr. Rudi Putra, Forum Konservasi Leuser
Dr. Putra and his team of rangers do heroic work to protect the unique flora and fauna in and around Leuser. Because of the omnipresent threat of poaching, and illegal slash and burn logging, the work is done under extremely dangerous conditions. Wildfire and armed gun-thugs make every day in the bush a journey into the heart of darkness. However, since Soraya Station has become operational again, scientific research has been given a safe haven and base of operations. FKL rangers have begun regular patrols of the area— and as a result, poaching and illegal logging is down by an astonishing 90%! A recent scientific survey and report from Dr. Putra, details the conservation success achieved through the partnership between RSF and FKL.
Partnership— Rare Species Fund and Forum Konservasi Leuser
RSF provided 100% of the funding to rebuild the Soraya Station Research and Ranger Outpost.
RSF equips and pays 32 Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL) Rangers.
RSF provides funding to buy back and restore habitat for endangered tigers, orangutans, elephants, rhinos and bears to be held in trust for Mount Leuser National Park.
Poaching down 90% since RSF funded FKL Rangers have been deployed.
Dr. Rudi Putra received the Goldman Prize for work dismantling illegal palm oil plantations.
What is the Leuser Ecosystem?
The Leuser ecosystem is a system of forests situated on the northern side of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Approximately 6 million acres in size, this forest is the only place in the world that is home to tigers, orangutans, rhinos, elephants and bears. Leuser was designated as a national forest by the Indonesian government. National Parks are monitored and patrolled by government employed rangers, but National Forests, while “officially” protected, are largely unmonitored by government officials. The same is true for Leuser. The massive expanses of forest are “by law” protected from hunting and timber cutting, but enforcement is typically lacking.
Leuser Ecosystem is over 6 million acres, three times the size of Yellowstone.
Established by Indonesian Presidential Decree in 1998, the Gunung Leuser National Park (1.5 million acres) was established by Decree of the Ministry of Forestry in 1997.
Most intact wildlife habitat of high biodiversity and mega fauna in Asia.
Approximately 120 Sumatran tigers in Leuser – IUCN Red List – Critically Endangered.
Sumatran rhinos are at the brink of extinction. Approximately 90 in Leuser– IUCN Red List – Critically Endangered.
How RSF Inspires Conservation
Having been featured in popular media such as PBS and National Geographic documentaries, children’s books, music videos and feature films, RSF Animal Ambassadors have attained celebrity status. Their high profile and charisma have inspired millions of Americans to take a greater interest in conserving rare and endangered species in places like the Leuser Ecosystem in Sumatra, Indonesia.
Without interest generated by the cutting edge, interactive wildlife programs at TIGERS Myrtle Beach Safari, the funding that has contributed to the success of Dr. Putra and FKL would not be possible. Today we can claim victory in the battle waged for critically endangered species in the fragile Leuser Ecosystem— an ongoing battle being fought by Dr. Rudi Putra, the dedicated Wildlife Protection Rangers of Forum Konservasi Leuser, and the Rare Species Fund.
21st Century Conservation
I have spent more than 30 years of my life developing safe proven training programs for both handlers and animals. At TIGERS and the Rare Species Fund, we endorse an interactive approach to animal ambassadorship. Our highly structured program of intensive socialization, careful breeding and cutting edge enrichment ensures that well adjusted and happy animals become model citizens who are flourishing in a human environment. These captive-born animals will never be introduced into the wild. Understanding their species-specific needs and the employment of carefully designed, interactive husbandry techniques allows them to thrive in captivity. Scientific research has shown a myriad of benefits captive wildlife can experience through regular human interaction. Animals who have not had the opportunity to become comfortable and trusting in human interactions can become stressed, anxious, and possibly problematic in the execution of the simplest captive care and veterinary tasks. We are invested in training well socialized ambassadors, comfortable in their lives, to represent species that we are actively working to conserve in the wild.
Million dollar swimming and enrichment center at TIGERS
Untrained, unsocialized animals are stressed and fearful and don’t make good ambassadors. Only the most tractable and well trained animals become the Animal Ambassadors of TIGERS/RSF. Our ambassadors provide a window to a world that most Americans will never witness first hand. Our program creates a powerful experience that engenders the human-animal connection. People who feel connected to animals in a tangible way are much more likely to support conservation efforts in the wild. The TIGERS/RSF Animal Ambassador program has raised more than $1,000,000 for small on-the-ground conservation projects we support around the globe.
The Politics of Division
Unknown to many, the role of animal ambassadors has become a point of division within the zoological community. The reason for this split is the growing influence of animal rights behemoth, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), over zoo policy at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the largest zoological trade association in the U.S. The HSUS believes in a hands off approach, preferring captive animals behave as if wild. Ignoring the essential role that captive conservation programs play in combatting extinction, they believe that zoos should transition to the role of animal “sanctuaries”, where the remaining captive animals would live out their lives until they die, completely eliminating AZA’s long standing Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, and completely ignoring the success of multiple captive breeding programs of endangered species around the world. HSUS has been anti-zoo until just recently when they identified an opportunity to gain influence at AZA. HSUS advocates the elimination of all captive breeding projects, and wants all captive animals to be treated as wild (and expendable) animals, regardless of the inherent dangers potentially posed for handlers and the public.
Ironically, most of the accidents with big cats, lethal and otherwise, have occurred at AZA zoos that have adopted this “wild animals in captivity” model; most notably, San Francisco Zoo in 2007 when a tiger killed a patron and injured two others— and more recently, Palm Beach Zoo in 2016 when a tiger killed a zookeeper.
I attribute the perfect safety record here at TIGERS/RSF to the fact that we have evolved our zoological model to focus on socialization, training and rigorous enrichment opportunities, ensuring that our animals are healthy and happy in a “captive setting.” Why any institution would intentionally ignore an animal’s needs in captivity to the point where it is dangerous to feed, move or provide vet care, is incomprehensible. Yet this ignorant policy of isolation is exactly what HSUS is attempting to force on zoos across the country.
Hercules is the largest big cat in the world according to Guinness World Records
TIGERS/RSF Professional Handlers
At TIGERS/RSF we don’t have inexperienced keepers and interns caring for our animals as is routine at many AZA zoos. Our program of training professional handlers is unequaled in the zoo world. We receive hundreds of applications for our apprentice program every year, but only accept a very small handful of individuals. Those few that meet our exacting requirements commit to working 365 days a year, long hours, for a minimum of two years. There are no days off. Because developing hands-on, interactive relationships with animal ambassadors is a full-time commitment, apprentices work without expectation of days off or vacation. The first few years of training to be a TIGERS/RSF professional handler consist of doing non-animal-contact chores, all the while, observing the animal body language. Observing these behavioral nuances helps apprentices establish a foundation of true species understanding that later interaction may be built.
Working as a professional handler at TIGERS/RSF requires unwavering dedication and years of training. The lifestyle is rigorous and trainees are expected to maintain the physical standards of a professional athlete. Diet and regular exercise are mandatory. It takes five to ten years to become a novice trainer at TIGERS/RSF. Only this kind of dedication, discipline and training can produce a professional handler that is able to provide the type of consistency, understanding, and experience necessary to safely interact with Animal Ambassadors in a way that enriches the animals’ lives and brings the message of conservation to the public.
Message of Conservation Having been featured in popular media such as PBS and National Geographic documentaries, children’s books, music videos and feature films, our Animal ambassadors have attained celebrity status. Their high profile and charisma have inspired millions of Americans to take a greater interest in conserving rare and endangered species. Our handler training, unblemished safety record, and superior enrichment opportunities have set the stage for our animal ambassadors to happily, safely meet world conservation leaders, state legislators here in South Carolina, members of the public, and even members of the U.S. Congress. Wherever we go, the Animal Ambassadors of TIGERS/RSF carry the message of conservation to America.
Million dollar swimming enrichment and interactive learning facility at TIGERS
HSUS Smear Campaign
Last month the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) attempted to smear the good name of TIGERS with lawmakers in South Carolina. They passed out a handout characterizing TIGERS as a “roadside zoo,” alleging “violations” of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), and citing “inspection reports” from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Well nothing could have been further from the truth. TIGERS has never had a violation of the AWA. And now USDA has taken steps to prevent animal rights activists from misusing their good work to defame legitimate stakeholders.
As some of you may know, there is a bill in the South Carolina legislature that seeks to regulate the ownership of big cats, non-native bears and great apes. It will require owners to have a USDA license or register their animals with local animal control. Last month, TIGERS attended a committee hearing on the bill at the House Agriculture Committee. During the hearing HSUS testified that they would like to see all primates added to the list of animals regulated, and further, they wanted all owners to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a private trade association that has the endorsement of HSUS with an agreement to promote HSUS ideology.
Intention to Deceive After the hearing, the HSUS lobbyist gave the bill sponsor a handout that implied TIGERS was a sub-par “roadside zoo” with multiple “violations” of the AWA. As evidence, the handout cited USDA “inspection reports.” When the citations in the handout were followed, they didn’t lead to the USDA website, but to the website for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA). PeTA, using the publicly available, pre-decisional reports that had been available on the USDA website, had created their own ideologically based interpretations designed to make stakeholders look like villains. The actual reports were quite benign, and amounted only to minor “non-compliance” issues that every zoo deals with every day.
A teachable moment is a minor non-compliant item that: 1) the facility is willing and able to correct quickly; 2) is not impacting the welfare of any animal(s); and 3) has not previously been cited. — USDA/APHIS, January 2016
There is a huge difference between a “non-compliance” issue, and a “violation.” These minor compliance issues are easily corrected prior to USDA follow up; facts conveniently omitted by PeTA, and happily exaggerated by HSUS to indict TIGERS for “violations.” Violations are serious, and constitute grounds for USDA to revoke a stakeholder’s license. Again, TIGERS has never had a violation of the Animal Welfare Act.
TIGERS/ Myrtle Beach Safari
The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS) is one of the top wildlife preserves in the country. We are accredited by the Zoological Association of America and licensed, inspected and regulated by the USDA. Our facility is built outside of Myrtle Beach on 50 acres and houses approximately 100 animals. We have invested millions of dollars in a state-of-the-art, interactive facility that is unmatched anywhere in the country. Our investment in handler training, humane care, secure containment, and enrichment for our animal ambassadors, is far beyond what is required by the USDA. We are proud of the fact that we bring millions of tourist dollars into South Carolina every year.
Tree House and Rope Bridge at TIGERS
USDA Moves to Protect Stakeholders from Animal Rights Abuses
Because of abuses by HSUS, PeTA and other animal rights groups, the USDA has changed it’s policy about the types of information made available on their website.
USDA/APHIS is implementing actions to remove documents it posts on APHIS’ website involving the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) that contain personal information. These documents include inspection reports, research facility annual reports, regulatory correspondence, lists of regulated entities, and enforcement records (such as pre-litigation settlement agreements and administrative complaints) that have not received final adjudication.— USDA/APHIS, February 4, 2017
The USDA decision to provide some protection from the malicious characterizations of USDA reports is supported by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), the second largest zoological accrediting body in the United States.
For too long the Federal Government through the USDA has been violating the privacy of citizens with its acts of intrusion in the name of transparency. The USDA records availability were intended for use by animal welfare advocates to monitor government regulation of animals and the treatment of wild and domestic animals. However, this welfare information soon became the fuel and ammunition of animal rights activists in a smear campaign to discredit zoos and animal owners.— ZAA, February 9, 2017
HSUS/ PeTA Track Record
It is important to understand, that while groups like HSUS and PeTA portend to protect animals, their interest is purely ideological. The primary mission of most animal rights groups is to raise money using slick propaganda designed to tug at the heart strings of an animal loving American public. They are very good at this, but HSUS and PeTA are not in the business of caring for animals. The idea that with no practical experience they could analyze and interpret USDA reports without ever visiting a facility is preposterous.
Marketing materials showing abused dogs and cats suggest HSUS plays an active role in caring for homeless pets, however according to HSUS’ 2015 annual report, they took in over $194 million with less than 1% donated to animal shelters. They operate no animal shelters on their own. But HSUS did find enough in their budget to spend over $33 million on fundraising. Additionally, in 2014 HSUS and co-defendants were forced to pay almost $16 million to settle a Racketeering Lawsuit filed against them, after the judge discovered evidence of witness tampering and bribery by an HSUS subsidiary and their attorneys.
PeTA is just as bad, maybe even worse. According to a watchdog group, in 2009 PeTA “rescued” 2366 dogs and cats. 31 were transferred to other facilities. 8 were adopted out. 2,301 were killed at PeTA’s little shop of horrors in Norfolk, VA. That’s a kill rate of over 97%. PeTA’s idea of “rescue” appears to be euthanasia on a grand scale.
Thank You to the USDA/APHIS It is a huge step for USDA to limit the ease with which animal rights groups abuse efforts at transparency. We consider USDA to be a crucial partner in creating an ever improving environment for our beloved animal ambassadors. With the help of USDA we bring the message of conservation of these magical creatures to thousands of people every year.
Doc Antle, Director of TIGERS and the Rare Species Fund
White Tigers are NOT Genetically Defective There is no evidence of a genetic defect inherent in the white color variant of the Royal White Bengal Tiger, notwithstanding the erroneous claims to the contrary by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). White tigers have a normally occurring, simple recessive genetic color variant known as leucism, much the same as the leucistic (white) deer common to the Carolinas. Leucism and albinism are not the same. White tigers are not albinos and do not carry the genetic weaknesses associated with albinism. According to a recent study published in Current Biology, the gene known as SLC45A2, is a naturally expressed color variant that was common in wild tiger populations prior to extirpation by poachers, hunters and habitat fragmentation in the 1950’s.
White Bengals result from genetic mutations that are part of their natural species diversity, and we have a responsibility to save them”– Shu-Jin Luo and Xiao Xu, Scientific American, 2014.
Leucism, as a simple recessive genetic trait, can be carried by normal (orange) tigers, even though the white color is not visibly exhibited. In humans, Type O blood is a simple recessive trait. This means that in order for a person to have the phenotype for Type O blood, he or she must inherit one Type O gene from each parent. A phenotype is an individual’s observable traits, such as height, eye color, and blood type. The genetic contribution to the phenotype is called the genotype (the genetic ingredients that an animal has, whether or not those traits are visible).
The white gene can be inherited undetected in orange tigers for generations, because a tiger only appears white when each parent in any particular breeding passes the gene for leucism. When two normal colored tigers are bred carrying the recessive leucistic gene, white offspring can occur. The spontaneous occurrence of white tigers in the U.S. population proves that the gene for leucism is widespread in the species.
An animal is heterozygous at a gene locus when it contains two different alleles of a gene. Many orange tigers are heterozygous for leucism, meaning that they carry a dominant gene for the orange color as well as a recessive gene for white. These cats have one of each gene to potentially contribute to offspring, with an equal chance of passing the orange gene or the white gene. When an orange tiger carrying the white gene mates with a white tiger, each of the offspring has a 50% chance of of being white and 100% of the offspring will carry the white gene. If two heterozygous tigers (orange tigers each carrying the recessive white gene and a dominant orange gene) mate, each offspring has a 25% chance of being white; each has a 50% chance of being orange but carrying the white gene, and each has only a 25% chance of being orange and not carrying the white gene. Two visually white tigers bred together will produce only white cubs.
At the Rare Species Fund in Myrtle Beach, we have dedicated ourselves to producing some of the most magnificent and healthy Royal White Bengal Tigers the world has ever seen. The genetic diversity of our breeding stock, combined with hand rearing, good citizen training and unparalleled enrichment opportunities, have enabled us to produce animals of incomparable grace, beauty and genetic vigor.
Genetics or Inbreeding?
William Conway, former director of the Bronx Zoo’s New York Zoological Society, a/k/a Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), was convinced that white tigers were the victims of a hereditary genetic defect that was isolated and propagated for sideshow exhibits. He actually compared white tigers to “two headed calves.” The comparisons would later be made ad nauseam by the AZA and surrogates for HSUS attempting to set public opinion against white tigers.
White tigers are freaks”– William Conway, Director of the New York Zoological Society (a/k/a WCS).
This flawed argument was formally adopted by the AZA, and focuses on claiming a genetic defect in the white color variant, yet AZA provides no direct examples nor evidence to support the claim; all the while, contradictorily conceding that defects are actually the result of “poor breeding practices.”
Conway’s views held great appeal for animal rights advocates who already considered all animal breeding as “exploitation.” The AZA, one of two trade associations that accredits zoos in the U.S., adopted a policy banning all white tiger breeding in a white paper published in 2011. The irony is, AZA accredited zoos actually pioneered white tiger breeding in the U.S. during the 1960’s and 70’s.
Conway’s apparently limited understanding of white tiger genetics appears to be responsible for his failure to comprehend that the white allele was a naturally occurring simple recessive genetic trait carried by many healthy, normal-appearing Bengal tigers, and at one time was visibly expressed in a healthy wild white population. The trait is not only perfectly normal, but the genetic material catalogued within the DNA “fingerprint” of white tigers is reported to be comparable in diversity to that contained in the orange population.
Notwithstanding, the AZA states that the white gene, “has been clearly linked with various abnormal, debilitating, and, at times, lethal, external and internal conditions and characteristics.” But what they fail to do, is cite any evidence connecting “abnormal” or “debilitating” mutations to anything other than problems more closely related to “breeding practices” than any manifestation of genetic deformities.
Science over Superstition
The best available science recommends saving and strengthening the diversity in the white Bengal tiger, leaving the AZA “no breeding” policy in stark contradiction with the welfare of the species. The facts are simple. The recessive white gene SLC45A2, in and of itself, is not flawed. For example, the gene that makes black leopards black, is also a simple recessive, and AZA zoos do not ban black leopard breeding. The change in policy at AZA seems more correlated to what appears to be an informal alignment with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), to protect AZA market share from non-AZA zoos. The policy to ban the breeding of white tigers is an ideological choice, unrelated to science.
Much of the misinformation surrounding white tigers has been proliferated by Carole Baskins of Big Cat Rescue. She has posted her HSUS inspired interpretation of the AZA white paper, along with William Conway’s views, on her website, which in turn has been republished by The Dodo and One Green Planet, and punctuated with horrible photos of inbred tigers. It is worthy of note that Ms. Baskins uses no scientific citations to support her claims of genetic defect. She uses inflammatory rhetoric and shocking images in lieu of facts.
While the original confusion regarding white tiger genetics understandably stemmed from personal opinions derived from a poverty of scientific data, the current anti-white tiger sentiment of AZA/HSUS flies in the face of the best available science. The AZA appears to have aligned themselves with HSUS not only to protect themselves from being targeted by the animal rights industry, but to discredit other legitimate zoological institutions that don’t toe the HSUS/AZA line on captive wildlife policy. It should be interesting to see, as more science becomes available dispelling superstitions about white tiger genetics, if AZA will defy HSUS and adopt a science based policy?
According to Dr. Brian Davis of the Exotic Genome Repository, “There has been no genetic study that has demonstrated a negative biological effect connected to the white variant in tigers. When the white tiger existed in the wild prior to human eradication, adults were common, indicating no decrease in fitness.” Additionally, leucism exists in numerous other species. These traits, erroneously associated with white, are actually strongly linked with inbreeding, regardless of coat color. Contemporary American tiger populations do not need inbreeding to perpetuate the white variant, since the gene is prevalent within the orange population as well other genetic variation that humans have driven extinct in the wild.
There has been no genetic study that has demonstrated a negative biological effect conferred by the white variant in tigers.”– Brian W. Davis, Ph.D., Comparative Genomicist, Exotic Genome Repository
Royal White Bengal Tigers are Magnificent!
Anyone who is interested in seeing what healthy, happy white tigers actually look like, feel free to visit my facility in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Our state-of-the-art facility is home to a number of the most fantastic white tigers on the planet today. We didn’t give up on the white tiger. To the contrary, our breeding and enrichment programs are superior to any other zoological facility in the world. Come see white tigers run at full speed through varied terrain. There is not an experience that can compare to seeing these powerful animals do what they were born to do. If you can’t visit in person, watch the video below. Capturing the imagination of millions, the Royal White Bengal Tiger is undeniable in its power as an animal ambassador for conservation, and is a portrait of genetic vigor!
Watch this amazing high speed video footage of perfectly healthy white tigers running at full speed as a part of the Rare Species Fund tiger enrichment program.
The Horror of Palm Oil Production Fires raging across much of Borneo and Sumatra devour vast amounts of Indonesian rainforest. These fires which are now out of control, are believed to have been set intentionally by companies seeking to clear land for the lucrative production of palm oil crops. Unfortunately, approximately 50% of everyday products used in the west today, contain palm oil.
Habitat for thousands of species, including critically endangered Sumatran tigers, orangutans and rhinos, is engulfed in flames at the rate of about one million acres annually— deforestation on a cataclysmic scale for the purpose of unsustainable palm oil production.
Unless this ecological apocalypse is arrested, the biodiversity of the Indonesian rainforest, and all of the hope for our future that it represents, could be lost in our lifetime.
— a·poc·a·lypse
/əˈpäkəˌlips/
1. the complete final destruction of the world.
2. an event involving destruction or damage on a catastrophic scale.
In 2012, the Rare Species Fund, traveled to Borneo to film a documentary about the life of the incomparable orangutan researcher, Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas —Orangutan Foundation International. During our travels, we visited the orangutan orphanage, seeing hundreds of orphaned babies lamenting the loss of their mothers to fire. The trauma these babies were experiencing was heart wrenching. And to realize, that this was once an incomparable eden filled with one of our closest living relatives; there are no words to describe the shock and depth of suffering we witnessed.
In Borneo, the deforestation by fire was obscene. We tried to help more than 300 orphaned baby orangutans find refuge.” — Doc Antle
What is Palm Oil?
Palm oil is an edible plant oil which has become a common ingredient in many consumer products. It is the most widely consumed vegetable oil on the planet. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), “palm oil is the world’s highest yielding oil crop, with an output 5–10 times greater per [acre] than other leading vegetable oils.” In other words, it’s efficient and cheap to produce. And everything from processed food and vitamins to lotion and lip balm— candy and candles— shampoo and toothpaste, all contain palm oil.
How is Palm Oil Labeled?
Palm oil is not always clearly labeled. Here are some of the more recognizable names: Palm Kernel, Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Fruit Oil, Palmate, Palmitate, Palmolein, Glyceryl, Stearate, Stearic Acid, Elaeis Guineensis, Palmitic Acid, Palm Stearine, Palmitoyl Oxostearamide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Kernelate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Lauryl Lactylate/Sulphate, Hyrated Palm Glycerides, Etyl Palmitate, Octyl Palmitate, Palmityl Alcohol.
Over Halloween, the Rare Species Fund, a non-profit organization, raised awareness of candy products containing palm oil. We issued a PSA to our mailing lists and social media to educate consumers as to the devastating ecological implications of unbridled palm oil production. We also supplied a list of candy that is palm oil free. However, simple boycotts fail to answer this complex conservation problem.
Boycotting Palm Oil Could Make the Problem Worse!
The alternatives to palm oil are other vegetable oils that would decimate even more land to produce. The Rare Species Fund subscribes to the WWF model of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) as outlined in their report entitled Profitability and Sustainability in Palm Oil Production. In short, we support the certification of best practices demanded by product producers, to ensure that the palm oil they are using is being grown in the most ecologically responsible way, and that land used to produce palm oil was not converted from land that was of High Conservation Value (HCV). In other words, land that contains a high level of biodiversity, or provides habitat for endangered species, cannot be used.
What Can I Do to Help?
Analyze what is in the products that you use. If you find palm oil in your favorite product, contact the manufacturer and ask that they use ONLY Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO). Most manufacturers have contact information right on the label. If they are not using CSPO, tell them you will switch to a product that does. Post on their Facebook and twitter pages (most companies have a social media presence these days). Share this article and my blog, Tiger Tales, with your friends and family. Maybe together we can make a difference?
The horror! The horror!”
― Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness
Apocalyptic Ecological Disaster of Our Time? Never before has such large scale industrial farming, using destructive slash and burn techniques, provided millions of consumers with everyday household products. Never before has there been such a raging firestorm engulfing high value biologically diverse habitat for critically endangered orangutans, tigers and rhinos. The homes for these charismatic creatures, and thousands of other plant and animal species, are being burned to the ground at a staggering pace. Although there is still hope of sustainably producing palm oil, that hope is but a flicker on the path toward Armageddon. Are we already too late? Take action for Tigers, Orangutans and Rhinos today!
My name is Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, and I am best known for training big cats and great apes. It’s no secret that I have worked with the icons of Hollywood and giants of the music world. I’ve also worked with the most respected purveyors of educational programming in television and film. However, after a carreer spanning more than 30 years, my focus has now turned toward preserving the animals I love in their natural habitat.
Today I would like to invite you to follow my new blog, Tiger Tales. With this blog I hope to explore issues that are of the utmost importance to me. With the benefit of my perspective, hopefully a sense of urgency will be conveyed to you.
If we let the tiger go, we are losing a piece of ourselves forever.” — Doc Antle, Rolling Stone
There is a lot of misinformation out there, and I want to set the record straight. Topics may include: Wildlife Conservation, Tiger Genetics, Animal Welfare and Enrichment, Educational Programming, TV & Film, Animal Friendships, Palm Oil, etc. Together we will tackle these issues, big and small, controversial and not, all in hopes of spreading the truth, and fostering a clearer understanding of some of the most amazing animals on the planet.
I encourage you to navigate to the upper left hand corner of this page. Click ‘About.’ The ‘About’ page will give you an in depth picture of who I am– and what I’m about. Then click ‘like’ and ‘follow’ at the bottom of this page. Make a comment, or ask a question in the ‘comment’ section. Let me know if there are topics that you want covered. Share Tiger Tales with your friends, family and social networks. Most of all, enjoy!
Message of Conservation
My name is Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, and I am best known for training big cats and great apes. It’s no secret that I have worked with the icons of Hollywood and giants of the music world. I’ve also worked with the most respected purveyors of educational programming in television and film. However, after a carreer spanning more than 30 years, my focus has now turned toward preserving the animals I love in their natural habitat.
Doc Antle's Tiger Tales 