Dr. Bhagavan Antle

Good afternoon from T.I.G.E.R.S.!  I hope you are having a great Friday and will have a safe weekend.

Dr. Bhagavan Antle of T.I.G.E.R.S. Preserve in Myrtle Beach strives to save Cheetahs.  Dr. Antle and eight exotic animal trainers from T.I.G.E.R.S along with their veterinarian Dr. Sherri Duncan, decided to go and teach the staff of Savannah Cheetah Foundation  how to train cheetahs to our lure system and make a video and photo documentary of this amazing event. Some of the T.I.G.E.R.S. staff have over twenty years experience working as professional videographers and photographers and are continually working with endangered wildlife species.  It is our hope that the sight of a beautiful cheetah pelting across the grass up close and personal both live and on DVD would help inspire their visitors and those who view the video and pictures, towards a more ecologically friendly way of life.

The Foundation was created as a breeding facility for cheetahs, and also as a place for people of all kinds to come and learn about the plight of cheetahs in the wild. Most of the visitors to the preserve are local students, many of whom have been raised with the idea that cheetahs are nuisance animals that need to be eradicated in order to protect livestock. It is to these children of Africa that the message of conservation is most essential.

We came to film and train cheetahs in a place with no name that is a mere ninety minutes drive from the airport, but is as far removed from anything resembling a city as somewhere can be.

Visit one of the best Myrtle Beach attractions, T.I.G.E.R.S. and enjoy a Myrtle Beac Safari for yourself.  

The Rare Species Fund is currently developing a program to reimburse farmers for livestock lost to wild predators, including jaguars. This initiative ensures that the predators do not become a financial liability for the farmers and are therefore less likely to be illegally poached. The RSF rewards farmers in the program who set aside a minimum of twenty percent of the land to be kept in its natural wild state. This ensures that viable habitat will remain for the jaguar as well as other indigenous wildlife, including: tapirs, monkeys, toucans, sloths, caiman and spectacled bears.

Click here for more information on T.I.G.E.R.S. and the RSF.

Good beautiful, sunny, Friday afternoon from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach!  The staff and animals, dedicated to ongoing breeding and international conservation projects are currently in full swing at the 50 acre Preserve and Preservation Station.

T.I.G.E.R.S. was founded by Dr. Bhagavan Antle. He is one of the World’s foremost trainers of big cats and other exotic animals. Doc Antle’s animal actors have appeared in over 500 films, television shows, commercials and advertisements worldwide.

Enjoy this written last season by Mary Quinn O'Connor:

If you’ve ever wondered where the animals you see on TV and movies live when they're not on set, or even how they learn to “act”, look no further than Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This tourist destination, known mainly for its sunny weather and crowded beaches, is also home to Tigers Preservation Station and Safari (T.I.G.E.R.S) a safari for celebrity animals.
 
“Watching the film and television process happen gave me an idea that recreating that for our guests gave them the chance to see animals up close and in action doing things like their favorite television moments,” said T.I.G.E.R.S. Founder and safari director Dr. Bhagavan Antle.
 
“Doc” created a safari for visitors from around the world to come and see these highly trained animals in their natural habitat. You may recognize these animals from films such as "Ace Ventura", "Doctor Doolittle", "Jungle Book", and "Mighty Joe Young".
 
“We act as agents for the animals,” said Antle. “Producers from movie and television call us up and say ‘We need a tiger who will just go up and lay down with an actress,’" said Antle.
 
The trainers at T.I.G.E.R.S make that request a reality. Through hundreds of hours of training a week, these animals become accustomed to working with humans.
 
“That gives the animals an edge in working the movie and television business because they are already so acclimated to the human lifestyle,” said Antle.
 
Thirty years ago, Antle created this unique safari experience where guests could come and interact (sit with them, play with them, and feed them) with these wild, endangered, and even famous animals like nowhere else in the world.
 
“It’s not going to the zoo, it something all together different,” said one safari guest.

The animals at this safari have already starred in over 500 movie and television shows over the past 30 years, and some of these animals still have a long career ahead of them-- like Bubbles the Elephant. Bubbles has starred in many movies, but is most famous for her role in Ace Ventura.
 
“She’s what I call the world’s biggest movie star,” said Antle. “There has been another elephant in a movie but its not as tall or heavy as Bubbles.”
 
By visiting Bubbles or some of your other favorite animal-stars, you are contributing to the Rare Species Fund which was established to provide funding to critical international wildlife conservation programs.
 
“The animal actors and the animals that are here meeting the guests will raise money for grassroots conservation programs that give people the chance to save wildlife throughout the world,” said Antle.

Mary Quinn O'Connor is part of the Junior Reporter program at Fox News

Over the last decade T.I.G.E.R.S. have donated over 200 thousand dollars, as well as time, effort and expertise, to grassroots conservation programs in Asia and Africa. The money from the Wildlife tour goes directly to help save the Endangered Wildlife Species and preserve their natural habitats.  For information about T.I.G.E.R.S. visit, www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.

It's another beautiful day in Myrtle Beach, SC!!!  Most people don't know when they visit Myrtle Beach that there is an interactive animal preserve and tour just miles down the road.   T.I.G.E.R.S.  was created as a wildlife education organization, dedicated to promoting global conservation with informative, educational, and entertaining interactive programs. Founder and Director, Dr. Bhagavan Antle works closely with international wildlife conservation projects in South America, Africa and Thailand. In addition to providing much needed funds for these programs, our personnel have been involved in field research as well.

The Wild Encounters Tour is a guided walk through a fifty acre preserve  just 17 miles South of Barefoot Landing, where you'll meet tigers, wolves, leopards, chimpanzees, orangutans, and other endangered species, many of them up-close and un-caged! During the tour professional photographers shoot studio quality photographs and video of the tour and the T.I.G.E.R.S. Preserve experience. This gives you the opportunity to take home a set of portraits and phenomenal videos that are incomparable to any other photo opportunity.

Frequently asked questions:

Where is the tour located?

The tour is located on our 50 acre preserve in Myrtle Beach, SC. It is about 15 miles south of Barefoot Landing. Exact directions will ONLY be given to those who have tour reservations. For the privacy and safety of our animals, guests and personnel our address is not published and will not be given out.

How do I find out whether a particular day is available for the tour?
If you are looking for a particular day for the tour and would like to find out if availability still exists before you make a reservation please fill out a tour request at www.myrtlebeachsafari.com/signup or you can simply send us an email with the days you are looking for and we can let you know if we have availability that day. You can also make inquiries at our tour desk at Preservation Station.

How old do you have to be to be on the tour?
The minimum age for the tour is 6 years of age. This is due to the amount time and attention needed to really enjoy the experience of our tour and tends to be too long and contain too many necessary instructions for younger children.

How many days in advance should I book the tour?
If you are looking for a particular day, we recommend booking at least a couple weeks in advance. You can book as far in advance as you'd like and if we have availability up to the night before.

How long is the tour, when do we need to arrive and when should we expect to be done?
You have to arrive for the VIP Wild Encounter Tour at 9:15am. The Tour will begin at 10am and will end around approximately 1pm. As you will have the opportunity to look though all of the photos taken of your family/group and choose the one(s) you would like to have printed, exact time of departure will vary from group to group. If you have somewhere that you need to be after the tour and need to leave by a certain time please let our staff know and we will do our best to accommodate you.



Go online and visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com for more information about the Rare Species Fund, the tour and Tigers Preserve.  Come to see the White Tigers, a liger and other amazing animals in Myrtle Beach at one of the most exciting animal adventures ever.  All proceeds from the tour go to The Rare Species Fund and The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species.

Good Friday from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach!  If you love animals and you're looking to make memories that you will cherish for a lifetime, you need to visit T.I.G.E.R.S. and Preservation Station in Myrtle Beach.

Preservation Station at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach is a free living tiger exhibit. It is the fund raising effort for the rarest tiger on Earth, the Golden Tabby tiger. It's your chance to see the World's Rarest Tigers, up-close and un-caged for FREE. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Come visit T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station and see these animals playing and relaxing in an outdoor environment. You will see Bengal tigers, Siberian tigers, Royal White Bengal tigers and the rarest tiger in the world, the Golden Tabby tiger.

T.I.G.E.R.S. (The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species) is home to some of the world’s most famous animal actors, stars of stage and screen. This is one of the most exciting animal adventures ever.  It's is a new kind of zoo that gives a fresh new look at wild animals living with man. It's a zoo that comes to you.

Read what other visitors say about T.I.G.E.R.S. and Preservation Station:

"A once in a life time experience. Call ahead. You don't want to miss this, you get up close and personal." K. Fields 3/7/13


"Great place to see and learn about tigers. If you have the time made a reservation to tour their facility near by. It was an amazing experience that I look forward to doing again. Only place to see a tiger run without being behind glass or a fence. Interaction with the other animals and cubs was priceless!" - K. Friedel 2/8/13


“Ok so obviously I am really into animals and have always dreamed about holding the most amazing creatures in the world in my hands. My girlfriend ... no so much. I made her come here with me and her views have changed. This was by far my favorite thing I have ever done and will DEFINITELY be coming back. If you are considering doing this and reading reviews ... read no further. If you do not do this you will miss out on the most intimate animal experience you will ever have. Staff was amazing, accommodating, and a pleasure to be around. I would give this 100000000 stars if there were room! I LOVE THIS PLACE” - J Riden 1/17/13

"A phenomenal place to visit!!!  Thanks" - A Michel; 1/31/13

Make a cherished memory.  Guests at T.I.G.E.R.S. and Preservation Station make wondrous experiences live on for a lifetime in the hundreds of individual and group high end professional photographs and video we take of them on this once in a lifetime journey. They leave Preservation Station with images that only a few privileged photographers and explorers on safari have captured after years of travel; a tiger or cheetah running at full speed or swimming across a clear pool, the great apes sliding through the canopy or a large tusked elephant just a breath away. You can tell from their pictures and the letters they send us how it has changed them.

T.I.G.E.R.S. was founded by Dr. Bhagavan Antle. He is one of the World’s foremost trainers of big cats and other exotic animals. Doc Antle’s animal actors have appeared in over 500 films, television shows, commercials and advertisements worldwide.You have seen some of these animals in great films such as Ace Ventura, Forrest Gump, Dr. Dolittle, Mighty Joe Young and many others.

For more information, please visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.

Hi and good Friday afternoon from T.I.G.E.R.S. Preserve in South Carolina.  Dr. Bhagavan Antle has a Myrtle Beach Safari for you to visit in Myrtle Beach.  You can see up close and personal a variety of endangered Tigers Species as well as several other endangered wildlife species.  It is a one of a kind Myrtle Beach Attraction.

Like Dr. Antle and his staff, other projects give way to vision, missions, beliefs, and efforts to save individual animals, animal populations and habitats all over the world.  See below:

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass., Feb. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW- www.ifaw.org) announced today an emergency grant to rescue the last remaining 10 big cats from Riverglen Tiger Sanctuary near Mountainburg, Arkansas. The funds are being used to build temporary enclosures for the tigers at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), located 80 miles to the north.

Efforts to rescue the felines got underway in November of last year when the Crawford County sheriff contacted TCWR staff. The sheriff reported a total of 34 big cats including tigers, leopards and cougars housed in enclosures in such state of disrepair that it was described as a "ticking time bomb." The owner, a 72 year-old woman suffering from health complications, opted to surrender all of the animals.

"The housing conditions have deteriorated significantly and are now too insecure to contain big cats, especially tigers. It is as unsafe for the animals as it is for the public," said Kelly Donithan , IFAW Animal Rescue Officer. "We want to relocate the animals to TCWR as soon as possible so that they can be safely housed and receive the proper care they require."   

The three-month rescue operation will conclude at the end of the month when the tigers are safely crated and loaded into a rescue trailer for the trip up to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, AR.

"Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is honored to have the help and support from IFAW," said Tanya Smith , TCWR President. "Together we are making a difference for each of the animals we are relocating."  

"Surprisingly, while some state regulations make big cat pet ownership difficult, keeping big cats as pets or for mere profit is generally legal in the United States," said Tracy Coppola , IFAW US Campaigns Officer.  "As a result, casualties and dangerous incidents continue to pile up."

"Adding to this problem is the fact that many unscrupulous exhibitors breed and keep baby tigers and other big cat species in order to be handled and photographed by paying customers," Coppola continued.  "After the animals grow too big, they are often sent to roadside zoos, kept in backyards, or even killed."

IFAW is working to pass the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act, a bill that will soon get reintroduced this Congress to phase out private possession and breeding of big cats in the U.S. and require people who currently possess them to register those animals with the USDA.

Since 2003, IFAW has helped rescue more than 133 tigers, lions, and other big cats from unsanctioned shelters, closing sanctuaries and other poor and unsafe living conditions in the US.

Visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com for more information about the Rare Species Fund, the tour and Tigers Preserve.  Come to see the ligers and other amazing animals in Myrtle Beach at one of the most exciting animal adventures ever.  All proceeds from the tour go to The Rare Species Fund and The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species.

Good day from T.I.G.E.R.S.!!  As most of you already know, Preserve Founder and Director Dr. Bhagavan "Doc" Antle is also the founder of  the R.S.F., (The Rare Species Fund.) He grew up on a vast cattle ranch in Arizona, where his great love for wild and exotic animals began and from a very young age he began raising and caring for every amazing animal he could get his hands on.

The RSF (Rare Species Fund) was established to provide funding to critical on the ground international wildlife conservation programs, thereby complimenting the educational messages and field research of T.I.G.E.R.S.  The Fund receives its financing base through a percentage of revenues taken in by T.I.G.E.R.S., the generosity of donations from exhibit guests, and the general public.

One Specific project where funding has made a real difference include helping fund the Matabeleland Leopard and Cheetah project in Zimbabwe.  The video below is one of the conservation projects that the RSF supports. It is very important to meet with people like this first hand to understand exactly what they are doing. . . . . and to figure out how we can best help their efforts.



By 2000 Zimbabwe had a conservation record second to none.  It was home to many of Africa's top Professional Guides, the product of superior guide training, good enterprise and some big personalities in a mature safari industry.  The country had prolific wildlife in diverse habitats and was regarded as one of Africa's top safari destinations.

In 2000 the politicians simply lost the plot. Aside from a socio-economic disaster about to be delivered to the people of Zimbabwe, international tour operators and the country's traditional markets cast their own votes by withdrawing support. The safari industry shrank as a result, visitor numbers plummeted and the country's wildlife and conservationists were left stranded.

Handfuls of dedicated individuals across the country have struggled against growing odds in their conservation efforts over the last decade. The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit is a case in point.

VFAPU LogoIn 1999 the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) was established by Charles Brightman, a Professional Guide, local safari operator and conservationist, together with the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.  VFAPU has since worked in close co-operation with the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police on anti-poaching efforts. They patrol a 50 square kilometre area around Victoria Falls with 18 full time scouts to combat poaching in all its forms.

Whilst VFAPU's activities are largely directed at the removal of snares and the apprehension of subsistence and commercial poachers, a great deal of time is spent educating and reinforcing the benefits of conserving the areas natural resources.

VFAPU's work has been recognised through the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism as four time recipient of the Green Globe 21 Award for Conservation Efforts in Zimbabwe.  Charles Brightman has been personally recognised as a finalist in the Safari Awards category for "Best Personal Contribution to Wildlife Conservation".
 - www.victoriafalls.net

Today, Doc is widely recognized as one of the foremost animal trainers in the world, having worked with thousands of animals, and traveled the globe promoting the education and conservation of some of our planet's most rare and endangered species.

Please join us in our worldwide education and conservation efforts at www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.
 

Good Monday afternoon to all from T.I.G.E.R.S. Preserve in Myrtle Beach!   

If you've kept up with the local news this past week, you know that the theme for the 16th Annual BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon was "RUN WILD!"  This year some four-legged friends were added to the three day event through a partnership with the Rare Species Fund for International Wildlife Conservation. Funding for the group is derived from The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.).  T.I.G.E.R.S. houses a stunning group of the world's most rare and endangered species, some of which were present at the HTC Runners' Expo and the Start Line.  

The idea to bring animals to this event was hatched by Marathon Committee members.  Organizers teamed up with T.I.G.E.R.S. founder and director, Dr. Bhagavan (D0c) Antle to bring an orangutan, a gibbon, baby tigers, and other exotic animals.  According to some sources, Bubbles, the African elephant stole the show.  

Bubbles, who served as the official guest race stater, lifted her huge trunk, and a trumpeted loudly to the runners off on their 13.1- or 26.2-mile races.  

The Rare Species Fund was established to provide funding to critical on the ground international wildlife conservation programs, thereby complimenting the educational messages and field research of T.I.G.E.R.S The Fund receives it financing base through a percentage of revenues taken in by T.I.G.E.R.S, the generosity of donations form exhibit guests, and the general public and now the Myrtle Beach Marathon..

The Rare Species Fund actively supports the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB) in its efforts to improve African zoo collection management, captive animal husbandry, and public educational messages. On a Continent where millions of wildebeest make an annual migration of several hundred miles, covering a huge swath of two countries, accompanied by zebra and other plains game, as well as many rare and endangered predators, almost 99 per cent of all African youth will never see any of these animals in their natural habitat.

Through the RSF, the FCF (Feline Conservation Federation) is doing its part to help educate the citizens of this continent to appreciate the wealth of their wildlife diversity and the threats to its continued existence in Africa.

According to The Sun News, Race Director Shawn Walsh said he hopes to be able to bring the animals back for a future marathon.  “We’re definitely going to sit down and talk,” he said. “I’d like to be able to incorporate them again.”

Want to meet the apes and Bubbles the elephant for yourself?  You can at T.I.G.E.R.S. (The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species); this is a one of kind Myrtle Beach Attraction.  On this tour, you will also see amazing animals at one of the most exciting animal adventures ever.  All proceeds from the tour go to The Rare Species Fund and The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species.  For reservations, go to www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.
 

Good Friday afternoon from T.I.G.E.R.S. Preserve and Preservation Station in Myrtle Beach!  It's Marathon time!  The 16th Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon kicked off with the HTC Runners Expo last night.  

This year the Marathon is adding some four-legged friends to the recipient list through a partnership with the Rare Species Fund for International Wildlife Conservation. RSF is a non-profit grassroots organization established in 1982 to provide financial support and practical training to wildlife conservation initiatives. Funding for the group is derived from The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.).

MYRTLE BEACH -- "The Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon has a theme for its 16th running on Feb. 16: Run Wild.

Marathon organizers have partnered with Dr. Bhagavan “Doc” Antle and The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species wildlife education organization that he oversees to include a number of animals in race activities and benefit the Rare Species Fund charity.

Trained animals from the T.I.G.E.R.S. wild animal nature preserve in the Socastee area are scheduled to make appearances at the race-affiliated runner’s expo, 5-kilometer race, Ripley’s Family Fun Run and the Dasani Half Marathon and Bi-Lo marathon races.

According to our source, “We’re going to see how well it’s received and how to incorporate it, and if it’s successful we’ll hope to build on that in future years,” Myrtle Beach Marathon president Shaun Walsh said.

If all goes as planned and weather permitting:

• The HTC Expo will feature a baby tiger habitat. Antle’s staff will be in attendance to talk about Tigers being endangered, what the institute is doing to try to protect them and how people can help. The expo will be held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 and from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 15.

• Orangutans will be present at the Ripley’s Fun Run at 5:30 p.m. and the 5k at 7 p.m. on Feb. 15, both at Broadway at the Beach.

•  Bubbles the elephant will be at the start of the marathon and half marathon on Grissom Parkway near 21st Ave. North at 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 16, and may be positioned in the middle traffic isle to have runners going past her on both sides. Orangutans and a tiger may be at the finish at TicketReturn.com Field, as well.

The marathon has been donating to Horry County Schools, the Red Cross and Leukemia Society in recent years, so it will add raising awareness for wildlife preservation and benefitting the Rare Species Fund to philanthropic purposes this year.

“Because of the travel involved, if we were anywhere else in the country he probably wouldn’t be able to do it for the amount we’ll be able to raise for him this year,” Walsh said.

Walsh said registration is on pace with the 2012 race, which set records with approximately 2,800 runners in the marathon, 4,500 runners in the half marathon and 1,100 participants in the 5k. The Fun Run had about 2,400 participants in 2012, which is the most since 2008.

Limits this year are 3,000 for the marathon, 5,000 for the half marathon and 1,500 for the 5k.

Post-race bicycle rides on Sunday, Feb. 17 will leave from the Waccamaw Shrine Club on Elm Street on the marina in downtown Conway. A 63-mile ride begins at 9 a.m., a 33.5-mile ride begins at 9:15 a.m., and a 14.2-mile ride begins at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds from the rides benefit Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs."
- By Alan Blondin - ablondin@thesunnews.com

Animal attraction T.I.G.E.R.S. and Preservation Station in Myrtle Beach are the best hands on animal experiences in the World. For more information visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.

Good afternoon from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach!!!  The staff would like to wish you the Happiest of New Years.  You know by reading previous posts that Dr. Bhagavan Antle, founder of T.I.G.E.R.S. and Preservation Station.established the Rare Species Fund to provide funding to critical, on the ground, international wildlife conservation programs.  The Fund receives its financing base through a percentage of revenues taken in by T.I.G.E.R.S., the generosity of donations from exhibit guests, and the general public.

Others like the young man in the article below also want to help:

Teenager Saves 20,000 Animals From Euthanasia
November 30, 2012 Dori Edwards

Dori Edwards, Global Animal

Similarly to how many grass roots organizations begin, Kids Against Animal Cruelty started with a small group of animal lovers carrying signs on street corners and a Facebook page with 47 friends.

“We are Animal Knights fighting for the rights of all animals,” describes KAAC on their Facebook page. An animal activism group that uses social networking to encourage adoption at high kill shelters, KAAC was founded two years ago by child actor/singer Lou Wegner when he was a mere 14 years old.

Wegner established KAAC after volunteering at a local animal shelter in Los Angeles during the filming of his short film Be Good To Eddie Lee.

“It was heartbreaking. All these dogs crying in their cages. Knowing they would be put down broke my heart,” Wegner recalled of the facilities.

Wegner relayed it was the first time he became aware of the disconcerting euthanasia rates throughout the country- believing before that shelters were safe places for homeless animals.

After two years, KAAC boasts 12,000 members, 50,000 supporters, and 20,000 animals it has saved from euthanasia.The organization has branched across the United States and has several chapters, all run by young animal lovers like Wegner.

In New York City, two sisters are head of a faction that helped find lost dogs and provide food for families with animals during Superstorm Sandy. Two of Wegner’s young relatives run chapters in Arizona and Minnesota.

Wegner hopes that KAAC will eventually have a chapter in every state, ”because the bigger the group you work with, the bigger difference you can make. “

Robin Harmon, a transporter for Best Friends’ Animal Society, was “especially impressed that at a young age, he could control his feelings and the sadness that we all feel when we are helping at high-kill shelters.”

According to AP, Wegner agrees that the sadness is hard to deal with. “Saving one keeps you going,” he says.

Wegner’s volunteering does not end with KAAC. Clearly a dedicated animal lover, he began another group in South Carolina called For the Love of Dogs in order to save a black labrador retriever named Tommy Joe that he believed “was doomed.”

He is also co-host of the Global Voice Broadcasting radio show Love That Dog Hollywood! Kids & Animals. According to the general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services and a guest on the show Brenda Barnette, Wegner is ”a well-spoken advocate for animals and for peer involvement.”

Wegner also believes in a need to educate children on cruelty to animals. After the recent cases of child-inflicted animal cruelty when a 12-year-old hung his family dog and two 11-year-olds threw rocks at a pregnant cat, Wegner stated that these children should be exposed to a euthanasia room.

Wearing his KAAC t-shirt everywhere he goes, Wegner and his compatriots for animal rights are far from finished with their work. ”They euthanize just as many animals every day as we have saved. It’s like throwing a Band-Aid in a river,” he says.

We expect to see a lot more from Wagner and his team of dedicated friends. We are grateful that the young generation has taken on this cause and is reshaping the future for animals.

Today, Dr.(Doc) Antle is widely recognized as one of the foremost animal trainers in the world, having worked with thousands of animals, and traveled the globe promoting the education and conservation of some of our planet's most rare and endangered species.

T.I.G.E.R.S. wants to see you this spring, please visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com for more information on the animals, the Director and the tour.  See you soon!!

Merry Christmas from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach!  Caring for endangered animals has always been the focus of Dr. Bhagavan Antle and his staff at T.I.G.E.R.S.  Read below:

"In 1984 our lives changed forever when a new 350 pound 42 inch tall baby girl came into our lives. This "baby" was Bubbles our African elephant. For an elephant she was very small and helpless. She had a very sad story to tell with a happy ending. Hundreds of thousands of elephants were killed for their ivory tusks between 1970 and 1989, when the slaughter ended because the ban on ivory import was put into effect. Along with the thousands of elephants killed, thousands of babies were left to die. Most of these orphans were either destroyed, since their was no place in Africa to house and care for them, or they starved to death. Bubbles was one of the few lucky ones that were put on a plane and flown to the United States where a handful of animal facilities awaited their arrival."

According to recent articles, an increase in illegal hunting makes many species' extinction a real near-term threat.  

One report, launched Wednesday, found that illicit trade in wildlife is worth at least $19 billion a year with organized criminals viewing it as high profit and low risk because governments don't give it a high enough priority and haven't implemented an effective response.

Last year is said to be the highest on record for elephant poaching: ivory estimated to weigh more than 23 metric tons - a figure that represents 2,500 elephants - was confiscated in Africa alone.

Another report cites the governments which are being held accountable for enforcing regulations on wildlife, including imposing sanctions where necessary, and a campaign to reduce demand for endangered species.

Back at T.I.G.E.R.S., the decision to care for an elephant was not a light one though, it was a lifelong commitment since elephants live 60 to 100 years.  What a delight and enormous undertaking Bubbles has been.

For over 25 years, their wildlife conservation and education programs have been funded entirely by offering incredible wildlife encounters.  Com visit The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species and Preservation Station to share these incredible experiences with your family and friends while helping to save some of the rarest species on Earth.

Hi and good Friday afternoon from TIGERS Preserve in South Carolina.  Dr. Bhagavan Antle has an attraction for you to visit in Myrtle Beach.  You can see up close and personal a variety of endangered Tiger Species as well as several other endangered wildlife species.  It is a one of a kind Animal Preserve in Myrtle Beach.

I read a story yesterday that really gave me a good feeling.  Many who lost their homes to Sandy don’t want to give up their pets, but they have nowhere to keep them.  In response, the ASPCA opened a 20,000 square-foot emergency boarding facility for hundreds of animals displaced by Superstorm Sandy.

The shelter is  located in Brooklyn and the service is offered to those who need a place to house their animals until they can get back on their feet.  It will also provide shelter for pets of those in evacuation centers.

This effort is greatly aided by a $500,000 grant from generous animal lover Rachael Ray, as well as the donations of our compassionate supporters.

One source said, “We will continue our disaster relief work to help animal victims in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, and hope that the emergency boarding facility will allow pet parents to focus on rebuilding their lives,” says ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Senior Director Tim Rickey. “It will take time, but we will work as a community, and the ASPCA will continue to provide ongoing assistance, personnel and resources as long as we’re needed.”

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All proceeds from the TIGERS tour and Preservation Station in Myrtle Beach go to The Rare Species Fund and The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species.

Come to see tigers and other amazing animals at one of the most exciting animal adventures ever.  

Visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com for more information about the Rare Species Fund, the tour and Tigers Preserve.

Good afternoon from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach!  The temperatures have dropped considerably and it's beginning to feel like fall!  The staff at T.I.G.E.R.S. is very busy at the moment.  They along with some other are attractions are hosting an incredible event at the end of this month.  Read below:

MYRTLE BEACH -- When Myrtle Beach photographer August Michel heard about an English couple traveling the world and having weddings in each country they visit in search of the best place to get married, he knew he wanted to get them to the Grand Strand.

Two months later Michel has gotten the couple, Alex Pelling and Lisa Gant of Yorkshire, England, to agree to participate in a whirlwind five wedding ceremonies in five days at various locations throughout the area. The couple has been chronicling their experience on their blog and Michel said ABC’s “20/20” will be in Myrtle Beach to produce a news story on Pelling and Gant.

“I thought about all of the beautiful places to get married between Wilmington and Charleston,” said Michel, owner of August T. Photography. “I told them I wanted to do something extravagant and they responded and absolutely loved the idea.”

And so the Myrtle Beach Wedding Extravaganza was born. Between Nov. 24 and 28, Michel and an army of about 50 local vendors will host five wedding ceremonies for Pelling and Gant at locations such as Litchfield Plantation and the TIGERS Preservation Station.

How much is this once in a lifetime trip and the many extravagant weddings costing the couple? Not a dime.

All of the venues, DJs, florists, dress makers, bakeries and even a local winery are donating their time and products for free.

The local marathon of theme weddings includes a Southern charm ceremony at Litchfield Plantation; skydiving and jet skiing in a James Bond ceremony on the beach; a Candy Land ceremony at the Pavilion Nostalgia Park at Broadway at the Beach; elephant riding at TIGERS Preservation Station; and a celebrity ceremony with Legends in Concert performers and a “world-record setting wedding reception flash mob” back at Broadway. The first four weddings are going to be more private, but everyone is welcome to attend the fifth ceremony at Broadway at the Beach on Nov. 28.

Michel is most excited about the flash mob at that fifth ceremony, with choreography coordinated by Coastal Carolina University cheerleaders. They plan to put a video on YouTube so that anyone can learn the dance and join them at 5 p.m. Nov. 28.

The choreography “is not going to be complicated. If everybody knows the date, time and location, they’ll be able to participate,” Michel said.

The cheerleaders also will hold two practice sessions in the week leading up the wedding. Information about the practices will be shared on the event’s Facebook page.

Those interested should meet plan to arrive around 4 p.m. and meet by the Christmas tree to the right of WonderWorks next to the visitor’s center.

“It’s going to be so much fun,” Benson said.

T.I.G.E.R.S. was founded by Dr. Bhagavan Antle. He is one of the World’s foremost trainers of big cats and other exotic animals.  Some of these animals are the rare and on the list of endangered species; Golden Tabby Tigers, Siberian & Bengal, Tigers, Panthers, Leopards, Royal White Tigers, Lions and Jaguars.

So if you live here or you're just visiting, go see the amazing animal exhibit located in Myrtle Beach.   T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station is a wildlife exhibit and living tiger museum with all proceeds benefiting the rarest tiger in the world, the Golden Tabby tiger. It is located near Myrtle Beach.  For information, please visit, www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.

It's another beautiful day here in Myrtle Beach, SC!!!  I hope you enjoy the posts and comments you read here.  I have written about the animals; tigers, ligers, panthers, orangutans, and other exotic animals.  I've also kept you up to date on the Director, Dr. Bhagavan Antle and the T.I.G.E.R.S. staff and their efforts and their dedication to  global conservation.  Now read below what others are saying:

"Safari!  This is a profession preserve for the endangered big cats; our closest relatives-chimps etc.; and oh yes, and a pet elephant! Extensive interactive experience. Up close and personal.  I can not say enough and I will return!  - Leslie M. October 12, 2012

" Awesome Experience!  While planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC, I saw an ad for this place and thought it might be fun. Well...words can't describe the feeling I had while holding that tiger cub for a photo. And the monkey...he was just too cute & funny. Anyone of any age will love & appreciate this place and what they do." - Melynda H. October 12, 2012

"What a great experience! I took my daughter and her friend (ages 22 and 24) here for their birthdays on October 6. They are both huge animal lovers and had extremely high expectations for this trip. I have to say, their expectations were exceeded and we all had a great time here. This is truly hands on, the place is much more upscale than expected and the staff were extremely nice and accommodating. This is a once in a lifetime, unique opportunity to play with baby tigers and other animals and learn a lot about the preservation of animals and our environment. Don't miss it!" - NYPatriot October 2, 2012

" Amazing! This was simply amazing we had baby tigers crawling on us, petting wolves, holding a gibbon! Once in a lifetime experience would highly recommend it! It is expensive but worth it! They also feed you the entire time you are there. " - Forangela September 24.2012

Take the tour of T.I.G.E.R.S. preserve where you will connect with wildlife in a very intimate way and involve yourself personally in the lives of these amazing animals. Then walk away into the world with a desire to save these creatures and help preserve their environments.

Please visit, support and join T.I.G.E.R.S. and the R.S.F in their worldwide education and conservation efforts.  For more info, go to myrtlebeachsafari.com and rarespeciesfund.org.

Good day from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach!  A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Tigers for Tomorrow on Untamed Mountain, the 140-acre piece of property in Attalla, Alabama.  T.I.G.E.R.S. founder and Director, Dr. Bhagavan "Doc" Antle, chairman of the accreditation board, visited the preserve.

Check out another preserve featured in the following article from http://www.felineconservation.org:

Patty Perry founded Wildlife and Environmental Conservation, Inc. (WEC) after years of practicing raptor rehabilitation at the Ojai Raptor Center, which treats over 1,500 native birds annually.

The WEC facility relocated from Ojai, to Moorpark, California in 2009. In addition to the many species of owls, hawks, eagle and falcons, are exotic felines. Conservation education of school age children is the major focus of WEC and Patty presents programs to schools and churches, and also does community outreach and private programs.

For Accreditation Board member Ron Young, one of the focal points of the WEC application was how much room was provided the tigers. Ron says, “I have worked at six different zoos and Patty provided her tigers more room than Busch Gardens in Florida does for their tigers.”

The WEC facility consists of 12 lovely acres and the entire property is fenced using 8-foot tall chain link, with additional security provided by surveillance cameras throughout. WEC’s serval and Siberian lynx share a 22-foot wide by 72-foot long enclosure. Inside this spacious habitat are lemon trees for shade, and an elevated platform with cathouse built on top. The ground is covered with chain link and five inches of sand lay on top. The cats’ feeding area is sheltered under a 10-foot by 20-foot solid roof.

For the tigers, a pair of 20-foot by 30-foot retreat enclosures connects to a 10,000 square foot communal exercise habitat. The retreats are 9-guage-chain link, 14-feet tall, and completely covered with solid aluminum roofing over steel purloins. Concrete feeding slabs and automatic waterers are provided. Above the large exercise habitat are mister systems and fly spray systems. The tigers have their own platform and cat condos. A pair of metal 10-foot water troughs gives the tigers access to water for soaking and play.

The Feline Conservation Federation facility accreditation board carefully reviews applicants to ensure that the facility is providing excellent care for felines. FCF exhibitors provide great experiences for the public and help shape a better future for felines living in nature. FCF educational exhibitors are important partners that help shape public policy and support for habitat protection in nature and in captivity. FCF Executive Director Lynn Culver says, “This is increasingly important because so many feline species are facing a real threat of extinction if we do not act to reverse population declines.”"

Myrtle Beach attraction, T.I.G.E.R.S. (The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species) and the R.S.F. (Rare Species Fund) are based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  For more information, please visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.

Hello and good afternoon from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach.  Most people do not realize that we are in the midst of a mass wildlife extinction that is affecting every living thing on this planet. We are losing up to a dozen species of plant and animal every day. This rate is far faster than when the dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago. A stunningly beautiful animal like a tiger captures people's attention so they become more willing to learn about critical conservation issues. Tigers are an important living example of the environmental problems facing the world, which makes them the perfect wildlife ambassadors. Wild tigers are currently on the brink of extinction. Due to rampant habitat destruction and poaching we may be losing a tiger a day.

I found this inspiring story today and I hope you enjoy it:

Created on Thursday, 25 October 2012 21:41
Written by IVN

Escondido, California - The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is roaring with excitement as one final donation for the construction of a new 5-acre Sumatran tiger habitat helped the nonprofit organization reach a fund-raising goal set by a matching contribution. A donor originally pledged $9 million toward Tiger Trail if the Safari Park could raise an additional $2 million by the end of the year.

Tiger Trail is the Park's largest project fully funded by philanthropy. It is the second largest for San Diego Zoo Global, behind The Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey, which opened at the San Diego Zoo in 2009.

"We are tremendously grateful to everyone who has contributed to Tiger Trail, from the tiger keeper who put a $20 bill in my hand when we announced the match donation to the donor who made the $9 million pledge," said Mark Stuart, San Diego Zoo Global chief development officer. "Despite the great recession, individuals who love tigers and who want to ensure that these big cats are around for many years to come, supported this project to the best of their abilities."

The $9 million pledge, the Park's largest single donation, was announced May 18. The final contribution that reached the $2 million challenge was received on Oct. 19. Thanks to more than 5,000 donors, the Safari Park raised $19.6 million for Tiger Trail, a forested habitat that will offer up-close views of these fascinating felines and highlight conservation efforts for the species.

The habitat will include three separate tiger exhibits with rocks for climbing, ponds for swimming, deadwood trees to use as scratching posts, and long grasses for catnaps. Tiger Trail will also have a birthing den with an outdoor yard. Ground breaking is expected to occur later this year with completion of the habitat in 2014. Hornbills, a family of birds characterized by a long, down-curved bill, will also find a new home here.

The Safari Park is currently home to five Sumatran tigers. There are fewer than 350 Sumatran tigers in the wild, and that number continues to drop. Scientists estimate that this species could be extinct in its native Sumatra by 2020 unless drastic measures are taken to protect and preserve it.

Tigers face many challenges in the wild, from loss of habitat to human-tiger conflict, but the biggest threat continues to be poaching. Tigers are killed by poachers, who illegally sell tiger body parts, mostly for folk remedies. People can help protect wild tigers by making smart consumer decisions to avoid products that harm tiger habitat and refusing to purchase items made from endangered wildlife.

The San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy is dedicated to bringing endangered species back from the brink of extinction. The work of the Conservancy includes onsite wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, and international field programs in more than 35 countries. In addition, San Diego Zoo Global manages the Anne and Kenneth Griffin Reptile Conservation Center, the Frozen ZooTM, Native Seed Gene Bank, the Keauhou and Maui Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Centers, the San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike Breeding Facility, the Cocha Cashu Biological Research Station, the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center, and a 800-acre biodiversity reserve adjacent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego.

Help us save these beautiful animals by joining T.I.G.E.R.S. (The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species) adopt an animal program and help make a difference. For more information on Myrtle Beach attraction, T.I.G.E.R.S. Preserve, Dr. Bhagavan Antle, or the Rare Species Fund, visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.
 

Good day from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach.  As you probably know, T.I.G.E.R.S. was created as a wildlife education organization, dedicated to promoting global conservation with informative, educational, and entertaining interactive programs. Director Bhagavan (Doc) Antle works closely with international wildlife conservation projects in South America, Africa and Thailand. In addition to providing much needed funds for these programs, the personnel have been involved in field research as well.

Doc is a conservationist who trains the animals to become “animal ambassadors.” Doc and his team of highly skilled animal trainers spend just about every waking hour working with these magnificent beasts. As animal ambassadors, their role is to make an emotional connection with whom they come in contact. Hopefully, they will impact members of the public enough to encourage them to help fight species extinction.  

Doc’s animals have starred in many movies, including Ace Ventura Pet Detective and Dr. Doolittle, but his main focus is raising money for the Rare Species Fund (RSF), which provides conservation programs for such places as The Samutprakarn Wildlife Preserve in Thailand and the Raptor Research Project in South Africa. All proceeds from the tour go toward the RSF.

The tigers, lions, panthers, wolves, apes and elephants are well protected, loved, and fed, cared for and adored. No animal poachers or rainforest-destroying palm oil companies could kill or displace them as long as they are here.

One source explains:

"One of the Sumatran orangutan’s richest habitats, an area of swampland containing the highest density of the red apes on the planet, is being illegally slashed and burned by palm oil companies to make way for palm oil plantations.

“If we can't stop them here, then there really is no hope,” said Ian Singleton as we stood on the edge of what had once been pristine forest, home to hundreds of orangutans, but now reduced to a charred wilderness as far as the eye could see. As he spoke we could hear the distant sound of a chain saw.

Singleton runs the Sumatra Orangutan Conservation Programme, an organization at the forefront of a battle to save what remains of the forest and the apes.

There are fewer than 7,000 of the critically endangered Sumatran orangutans left in the wild, according to a 2008 survey completed by Singleton and other scientists. The largest number live in a vast area of swampland and lowland forest close to the northern tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

“Orangutan paradise,” Singleton calls the area – but it’s a paradise under threat.

Land cleared, drained and burned in the Tripa Peat Swamp Forest.

The key battleground for Singleton is the Tripa Peat Swamp Forest, much of which has already been converted to palm oil plantations. The relentless march of the palm oil business is the biggest threat facing the orangutans.

A cheap, edible oil, palm oil is found in almost half of all packaged supermarket products, from instant noodles, to cookies to ice cream, and Indonesia is the world's biggest supplier.

“Look, look,” said Singleton, handing me a pair of field glasses. In the distance a large male orangutan moved gracefully across the canopy of trees.

Before leaving Sumatra, Singleton took me to an area where his refugees are being re-located. He told me that for him nothing can quite match the satisfaction of seeing the often bruised and terrified animals that turn up at his rescue center back in the wild."  Ian Williams, NBC News

Animal attraction T.I.G.E.R.S. tour in Myrtle Beach is the best hands on animal experience in the World. For more information visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.

Hello again from T.I.G.E.R.S. Myrtle Beach!  You all know that T.I.G.E.R.S. is a rare, up-close look at big cats, other exotic animals led by Director, Dr. Bhagavan "Doc" Antle.  Doc Antle's great love for wild and exotic animals began and from a very young age and he continues in his efforts.  Please read the article below:

Washington, D. C. (PRWEB) September 14, 2012

"Tigers for Tomorrow on Untamed Mountain meets the high standards of feline care and facility management that are hallmarks of the Feline Conservation Federation facility accreditation. Doc Antle, chairman of the accreditation board, visited the preserve and was so impressed he donated to it a trio of his very rare tiger cubs. Visitors can now view a golden tabby, a royal white and a standard orange Bengal tiger playing together in their roomy new habitat on the mountain preserve. The accreditation committee reviewed the extensive written application and approved Tigers for Tomorrow for FCF accreditation.

Tigers for Tomorrow on Untamed Mountain is a 140-acre piece of property in Attalla, Alabama, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. In the six years since the facility moved from Florida to Untamed Mountain, the animal population has grown to 87 predators consisting of 30 tigers, eight lions, 13 cougars, 19 wolves, two serval, a Canada lynx and a Siberian lynx, two leopard, one bobcat, four black bears and one grizzly bear. Presently a 10-foot perimeter fence suitable to hold predators encloses 18 acres. If more animals come to the mountain preserve, Sue says the perimeter fences will need to be expanded.

To run the facility, Sue Steffens and her husband Wilbur McCauley work full time, along with four other full time keepers, a couple of interns, ten volunteers in a core group and about ten more who help with functions and special projects. Tigers for Tomorrow is open all year, every Friday through Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm, with additional hours during spring break and summer. The preserve also hosts private tours, environmental education tours, home school groups, and the occasional wedding or birthday party. There is even an environmental education outreach component to Tigers for Tomorrow and a “legacy living classroom” that houses species such as snakes and possums to teach about native wildlife.

Tigers for Tomorrow enclosures are built using nine-gauge chain link, even for the smaller cats. The smallest cat enclosure is 1000 sq feet; the largest is 7500 sq feet, and the wolf pack runs inside an acre enclosure. Tigers for Tomorrow is licensed as an exhibitor by both USDA and Alabama state wildlife department.

A new book written by Sue and animal communicator Debbie McGillivray titled, "Untamed Voices" has just been released. It contains animal stories from the preserve. Sue says, I hope the book will bring greater awareness of the thoughts and feelings of animals at the preserve.”

The Feline Conservation Federation facility accreditation board carefully reviews applicants to ensure that the facility is providing excellent care for felines. FCF exhibitors provide great experiences for the public and help shape a better future for felines living in nature. FCF educational exhibitors are important partners that help shape public policy and support for habitat protection in nature and in captivity. FCF Executive Director Lynn Culver says, “This is increasingly important because so many feline species are facing a real threat of extinction if we do not act to reverse population declines.”"

Myrtle Beach attraction, T.I.G.E.R.S. (The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species) and the R.S.F. (Rare Species Fund) are based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  For more information, please visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.

It's another beautiful day at  T.I.G.E.R.S. Preserve and Preservation Station in Myrtle Beach!  You already know “Doc” Antle from his appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, Good Morning America, “The Today Show”, Animal Planet, National Geographic, and as spokesperson for CNN’s programs on big cats. The conservation world knows him for his groundbreaking work as advocate and
wildlife conservationist. This just out this week: Antle's new book, Fierce Beauty gets October release.  

Fierce Beauty is a vibrant photographic celebration of the beauty, power, and grace of the tigers, leopards, lions, ocelots, and other wild cats that inhabit the Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS). This wildlife preserve in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is home to more than one hundred rare animals, from ligers (a hybrid cross between a male lion and a tigress) that stretch nearly twelve feet long to cheetahs capable of running seventy miles per hour.

The intimate photographs in Fierce Beauty showcase these spectacular creatures in a natural setting, revealing their vibrant form and striking personalities and highlighting their significance in the world and the importance of protecting them. The more than three hundred images in Fierce Beauty, which artfully capture playful, tender, and imposing moments with wild cats, are accompanied by essays by such animal-rights luminaries as zoologist and TV personality Jim Fowler and Dakota Zoo director Terry Lincoln, among others, and a foreword by renowned actor and activist Robert Duvall. Discover what makes these animals unique cohabitants of mankind with dozens of exclusive never-before-seen portraits from preeminent nature photographers Tim Flach and Barry Bland.

Fierce Beauty is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts, cat lovers, and photography buffs of all stripes. Proceeds from the book help fund the preservation efforts of the Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS).

Bhagavan Antle is the director of the TIGERS wildlife preserve in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the founder of the Rare Species Fund, which supports animal conservation projects around the world.

Robert Duvall is an American actor and director, starring in some of the most acclaimed and popular films and TV shows of all time. He and his wife, Luciana Pedraza, are active supporters of Pro Mujer, a nonprofit charity organization dedicated to helping Latin America's poorest women, and of efforts to preserve endangered species, particularly tigers.

Intended to stir emotions and raise awareness of the challenges to wildlife preservation, check out Fierce Beauty.

For more information on Dr. Antle, T.I.G.E.R.S. Preserve, Preservation Station, and the Feline Conservation Federation, please visit myrtlebeachsafari.com

Good Friday afternoon from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach!  The staff and animals, dedicated to ongoing international conservation projects are currently winding down the season at the T.I.G.E.R.S. 50 acre Preserve and Preservation Station.

In response to the pressing environmental stresses that threaten the survival of all felines in nature, another organization, the Feline Conservation Federation is dedicated to responsible captive management of wild feline genetics.

Feline Conservation Federation (FCF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that consists of wild feline managers, educators, conservationists, researchers, and all those who support the mission of feline conservation.

For more than fifty years FCF has supported conservation efforts worldwide through the leadership of our members who specialize in captive feline husbandry.

FCF certifies instructors that in turn teach Basic Wild Feline Husbandry Courses around the country setting the standards for feline handler safety and feline management.

FCF also accredits feline holding facilities to insure that they operate within our higher standards of management and facility design while continuing to provide quality care and enrichment above all other zoological institutions.

FCF awards grants funding backbone field research and protection of wild habitats. One of our many advisors is Dr. Jim Sanderson, Ph.D. who sits on the FCF Conservation/Research Grant Committee.

FCF raises funds for its Wildcat Safety Net program that provides emergency care and transport of felines in need.

Membership is open to any non-domestic keepers, handlers and owners as well as those interested in them and the conservation of all 37 species. We invite you to Join us.

Members receive the national award-winning bimonthly Journal. This publication is packed full of husbandry articles, member’s accounts of their feline experiences and updates on FCF supported in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts.
 

Bhagavan “Doc” Antle designed the Myrtle Beach attraction to provide enriched habitats for the resident felines that enable the keepers, trainers and employees of T.I.G.E.R.S. to perform routine feeding and cleaning chores and facility maintenance safely and effectively. Public safety is also addressed, since the facility is open for educational tours and filming.

Make a difference! Do something good today! Join us, Support FCF, and Endangered Wildlife Species.  Contact us today and see how you can become a part of the oldest, premiere private Feline Conservation Organization in the world!

Hello again from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach.  Most of us have seen and heard of exotic animals in literature, video games, television and comic books.  Tigers, ligers, apes, and the like are magnificent creatures that possess an amazing combination of wonder and beauty.  Please enjoy the following article from The Boston Globe.

CARVER — You have to go to the very edge of “Carvershire” to see them. You have to walk past the wise-cracking guy with the penciled-on mustache cracking his whip, past the booths selling turkey legs and yards of beer. Not over by the fire-breathing human blockhead, the other way, next to the jousting fields. That's where you'll find them, just as you have for the past 30 years, the world's biggest cats — one a 900-pounder stretching out his body and drinking milk out of a baby bottle.

So after you’re done shopping for a sword, you can go see some of the rarest animals in the world, Dr. Bhagavan Antle brings the cats up from his 50-acre preserve in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He comes for an annual eight-week visit to King Richard’s Faire, the Renaissance fair that has operated every fall in Carver for more than 30 years. This year’s menagerie includes a baby chimp and a baby puma and Hercules the liger — the offspring of a male lion and female tiger, the biggest of the big cats.

On a visit during the week before the fair opened, sounds from a rehearsal floated from the King’s Stage — this year’s musical is “The Stolen Crown Affair” — past the rows of wooden benches in front of the Tiger Stage.

Antle, resembling Penn Jillette in solid build and radio-ready voice, shares the magician’s understanding that the audience is the absolute engine. Antle’s message is all passion and education: If the tigers’ environment crumbles, ours is next.

“Saving these animals is paramount to saving the world,’’ said Antle. “You’ve got to help take care of them.”

There’s not much of a “show” in the big cat show Antle presents at King Richard’s. There are no circus tricks, no flaming hoops or bicycle rides. While assistant Robert Johnson serves as host, Antle and trainers China York and Chris Heiden walk the animals out onstage and lead them up onto a table so the crowd can see and take pictures. Johnson’s talk includes a few well-worn jokes and a lot of information about the history and future of tigers.

The education comes between the oohing and aahing and camera clicks, with plenty of plugs for the importance of conservation, and how that requires cash.

Vali the year-old chimp and Santi the baby puma come out, as does a royal white tiger and a golden tabby. The bigger cats wear heavy chain collars. As gentle as they appear and as comfortable as they seem onstage, the animals still have all of their claws and teeth and are very powerful. The trainers let Johnson do the talking while they are ever mindful. - John Vitt

Animal attraction T.I.G.E.R.S. tour in Myrtle Beach is the best hands on animal experience in the World. For more information visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.