Letter: Tiger Week: a role for zoos to play
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The objective of Tiger Week is to protect and maintain the wild tiger populations and Peter Lawton ("Tyger Tyger, dying out", 29 May) appears to be missing the point; that without the support of society his work in the wild will not succeed. Zoos in India and throughout the world have a role to play in educating society on the need for conservation and the tigers in zoos are an important part of that process, acting as ambassadors for their species.
Add to this the acknowledged plight of the tiger in the wild, with some species below what is considered to be the minimum number required to maintain a genetically viable population and the need for captive breeding becomes obvious. With numbers so low I consider we are past the 11th hour and approaching one minute to midnight; the tiger needs all the help it can get, including captive breeding. Let us not be diverted from the best means for success by the personal likes and dislikes of individuals. Extinction is forever and such mistakes cannot be rectified.
P M C STEVENS
Executive Director
Paignton Zoo
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments