At For Tigers, we are dedicated to improving the welfare of captive tigers in Thailand. Thanks to the incredible generosity and dedication of our supporters, we’ve been able to make a real difference in the lives of these tigers. Whether through funding essential welfare improvements, performing research, or fostering collaboration with facilities, our work wouldn’t be possible without you!
Here are 10 ways our supporters have changed lives for captive tigers:
1. Funding Better Enclosures
One of the most impactful ways our supporters have helped is by funding the construction and improvement of enclosures. Many tigers in captivity live in small, barren spaces that fail to meet their physical and psychological needs. With the help of our donors, we have contributed to enclosure upgrades at two facilities, specifically for the tigers from Tiger Temple, adding larger spaces, climbing structures, ponds, and natural substrates like grass and sand. These improvements provide tigers with more opportunities to move, explore, and exhibit natural behaviours, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
2. Enhancing Enrichment Programs
Through donations and collaborative projects, we’ve introduced enrichment initiatives at a slowly growing number of tiger facilities. Our enrichment programs include providing essential training for staff and management to get an enrichment program up and running. We also provide examples of enrichments, provide demonstrations of their efficacy and encourage keepers to understand whether the enrichment has worked. For example, at one facility, we provided funding for new toys like balls that can help encourage tigers to perform behaviours linked to their natural hunting instincts. By keeping tigers physically and mentally stimulated, enrichment helps prevent boredom and stress, leading to healthier, happier tigers.
3. Researching Captive Tiger Welfare
With the help of our supporters, we’ve been able to conduct vital research on captive tiger welfare. Our research teams visit zoos and tiger tourist facilities to assess enclosure conditions, behavioural indicators of stress, and overall welfare. One of our studies focused on current welfare situation of captive tigers in Thailand, helping us provide targeted recommendations and areas that need improvement, which can be used to push forward legislation change. This research not only benefits the tigers we work with directly but also contributes to broader knowledge in the field of captive animal welfare.
4. Providing Essential Medical Equipment
Good healthcare is vital for captive tigers, but many facilities lack the resources to provide adequate veterinary care. Contributions from our supporters have helped provide essential veterinary medicine, such as vaccines for on-site treatments. This was especially relevant during the pandemic.
5. Facilitating Keeper Training Workshops
We’ve organized workshops, such as our upcoming tiger enrichment workshop in collaboration with WFFT, to train keepers on best practices for tiger care. These sessions provide hands-on experience in creating and implementing enrichment, improving dietary management, and understanding tiger behaviour. By equipping keepers with this knowledge, we empower them to make long-term welfare improvements in their daily care routines.
6. Improving Diet and Nutrition
Thanks to our donors, we’ve been able to support facilities in improving the diets of their tigers. Many captive tigers are fed improper diets that lack variety or essential nutrients. We have provided funding for higher-quality meat and supplements to improve overall tiger health. At two facilities we were able to fund a variety of meat to introduce more variety into the tigers' daily diet.
7. Building Relationships with Tiger Facilities
By providing funding, training, and expert guidance, we’ve built trust with facilities across Thailand. This collaborative approach has allowed us to implement long-term welfare improvements that might not have been possible otherwise. For example, a facility that was initially hesitant about enrichment programs later embraced them fully after seeing the positive effects on their tigers’ behaviour. Our approach of working alongside facilities rather than against them has led to meaningful changes that benefit both tigers and their caretakers.
8. Raising Awareness About Captive Tiger Welfare
Through educational content, social media campaigns, and outreach events, our supporters help spread the message about the importance of proper tiger care. Many people are unaware of the welfare issues captive tigers face, including inadequate enclosures, poor diet, and lack of enrichment. By sharing information through blog posts, videos, and public talks, we have reached thousands of people, inspiring more individuals to take action.
9. Assisting with Infrastructure Upgrades
From platforms to ponds, infrastructure improvements make a significant difference in a tiger’s daily life. Contributions from our supporters have helped fund these critical upgrades. At one facility, we provided funding for a complete revamp of an older interior cage setting, adding a pond, changing the substrate and adding more natural items including scratching posts. This significantly improved the comfort of the tiger living in this area. Other upgrades including providing grass seed, trees, ponds and platforms in pre-existing enclosures that lacked any sort of environmental enrichment. These seemingly small changes can have a profound impact on a tiger’s health and well-being.
10. Expanding Welfare-Focused Internships
Our internship program plays a crucial role in advancing captive tiger welfare. Thanks to our supporters, we offer research-based internships that allow students to study and assess tiger welfare with us. These interns collect vital data on tiger behaviour, enclosure conditions, and enrichment effectiveness, which we then use to provide targeted recommendations for welfare improvements. By expanding these opportunities, our supporters help train the next generation of animal welfare advocates, ensuring a lasting impact on captive tiger well-being.
Thank You for Making a Difference!
Every contribution, no matter how big or small, plays a role in changing the lives of captive tigers. We are incredibly grateful for our supporters who share our passion for giving these animals the best possible care. If you’d like to continue making an impact, consider donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness about our mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for captive tigers!