Recently, I went to the zoo as part of a school project. My topic was to find out about the tiger. Before beginning my ‘homework’, I was clicking photographs of the other animals. When I reached the tiger’s cave, or I shall call it cage, I heard a cry. I could not believe my ears. It was true! The tiger family was shedding tears! I approached the tiger but kept some distance for any time the tiger could reach out its paw to grab me. At that very instance, the tiger spoke! I took a short but touching interview that I would like to share with you.
Me: Good afternoon, Sir. I would like to have a small chat with you for my school project ‘Save the Tiger’.
Mr. Tiger (T): Come dear Chaitali. I was expecting you much sooner.
Me: Sir, you know my name? And you were waiting for me?
T: Of course. I know the full biodata of those working to save us. Tell me, what would you like to know?
Me: Sir, would you please tell me about yourself?
T: I, the ‘Pathera Tigris’ am part of the Felidae family and one of the largest of the four big cats. I, the Siberian tiger, am the largest of the subspecies of tigers. My uncles live in India and my aunts in Russia. Some of my cousins reside in Tibet whereas a few are native to China. A few of my relatives live in Indonesia. The rest are native to Malay Peninsula.
Me: Sir may I please know why you were weeping.
T: What is there to be happy about child? Out of the eight subspecies of tigers, only five are left, that to-endangered. We are constantly being tortured and killed for our skin, teeth and even flesh. In such a disastrous world, how can we live in peace!
Me: But sir, there are several wildlife sanctuaries and several projects brought up to protect you.
T: I know. However, zoo-keepers get us from those sanctuaries and keep us in these caves. Even though we are free from threat, we are not free.
Me: I agree sir. However the bright side is that tigers have featured prominently in ancient mythology and folklore, and continue to be depicted in modern films and literature. Tigers appear on many flags and coats of arms, as mascots for supporting teams and as the national animal for several Asian countries.
T: Let me take the example of India. As you know, India’s national animal is the tiger. But one of the most endangered species of tiger is the Bengal tiger. What do you have to say to that?
Me: The tiger is the ‘vahana’ of Goddess Durga. It has always been a symbol of power and might. Lord Ayyappan also ‘rides’ a tiger. In the legend of the Korean prince, Dan-Gun, the tiger is seen as brave and sacred and also receives affection.
T: Hmmm… I see. Maybe you are right. But this does not solve my problem. How do I save all my relatives? How do I protect my family? The project you are making will soon go into the trash can after it has been checked by your teachers. And very soon, the tigers’ name will be added in the list of extinct species.
Me: No sir. I promise that I will encourage everyone I know and all my fellow friends and classmates know to preserve tigers by topping the trade of objects made from tigers. It is the sacred duty of each and every citizen of Mother Earth to save the tiger and I shall ensure that the duty is fulfilled.
T: Thank you Chaitali! I am grateful towards you and your campaigns. Thank you very much!!!
Me: Thank you sir for enlightening me.
T: Do come again and someday we will have dinner together.
Me: My pleasure sir.
With this, my interview came to an end and I had to bid farewell to my new friend-the tiger. I have promised him that I shall put my heart and soul to remove the name of the tiger from the endangered list and add it to the list of ‘well protected animals’. For that, I will need your help. Are you willing to help me?
