The Residents Association of Dana Bay Conservancy We care about our environment

Save White Tiger from Canned Hunting

An exotic white Bengal tiger, Angelo, at the Jukani Wildlife Predator Park, our Dana Bay Conservancy neighbour, is going blind.  He depends on his female companion Mich.  At Jukani they receive the necessary medication, support and love they deserve.

These tigers arrived at Jukani, a bona fide zoological facility, during December 2008 - a request by a breeding facility in the Free State Province - to facilitate the importation from Elmvale Zoo in Canada.  (The importation of exotic species is forbidden in the Free State so animals have to be rerouted elsewhere in South Africa).

The tigers would stay at Jukani on loan and their progeny would be relocated to the Free State facility, but Angelo was diagnosed with Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a result of inbreeding.  The disease is genetically transferable and incurable.   He will go blind - and, there is no cure. His offspring would contract the same disease.  He therefore loses his breeding value and the Free State facility wants Jukani to purchase the pair of tigers for a sum of R250 000 each or they will be removed and sold to someone else.

This is heartbreaking for the owners, Jurg and Karen Olsen who have cared for the cubs since they were 4 months old.  In 2010, the Free State facility was exposed by Carte Blanche for selling lion body parts and bones to the Chinese traditional medicine market. They also supply lions for canned hunting operators.

The sad news is that Angelo is worth more dead than alive.  The caretakers, the Olsens and Mich are prepared to give Angelo the sheltered life he needs to prosper at Jukani, if given the chance.  They need YOUR SUPPORT for funds to save Angelo.

How to help:  sms: TXT30JUKANI to 39827.  Each sms will donate R30 or contact Jurg or Karen Olsen on 082 785 7713 or visit the website info@jukani.co.za.

(Adapted from Mossel Bay Advertiser, Friday 29 April 2011)