T.I.G.E.R.S.

Good afternoon and good Friday to all from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach!

A few weeks ago I posted about elephants that are being driven to extinction in large parts of Africa, amid the seizure of a large shipment of poached ivory in Malaysia.  Sadly, this week carcasses of a family of elephants have been found killed in Kenya:


By Rohit Kachroo, Correspondent, NBC News

TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK, Kenya -- The bodies of five elephants lie under the shade of the trees – their giant ears flapping in the wind, but their majestic bodies totally still.

It is a gruesome sight in this, one of Kenya’s oldest, largest and most stunningly beautiful national parks.

As our helicopter circles the scene, we glimpse two other elephants nearby: A mother lying dead next to a baby calf - her daughter. The bodies of another three siblings sit in the baking heat. Other corpses are slumped across several acres of parkland.

In total, there are 12 slain elephants – a family, murdered on Saturday in Kenya’s bloodiest attack by poachers on record.
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The spot is so remote – inaccessible by road vehicles – that it was only possible for us to reach them by the air. And yet, the poachers are thought to have trekked for days – maybe weeks – through the dense bushes with the intention of killing the family for their horns. It is, perhaps, an indication of the poachers’ determination, and the sophistication of their planning.

Armed with guns and axes, the 15-strong gang struck during the day. They shot the animals one by one before sawing off their tusks. Park rangers chased their footprints for 10 miles into the bush, but the trail vanished. Investigators believe that they may have dumped the tusks in the park to collect later, before splitting up and disappearing into the woods.

Wilson Korir, who leads the military-style defense force tasked with protecting the park from poachers, said: “These guys [the gang of poachers] are now looking for some crude transport like the use of a donkey to be able to transfer the tusks to the nearest center where they can ferry it using a vehicle.”

 “We have a lot of covert operations going on outside. We have positioned a platoon of rangers outside there just to wait and see. If they appear they will pounce and arrest.”

Accompanied by rangers, we leave our helicopter and walk towards the spot where some of the bodies lie. We are all struck by the stench of the corpses, as flies swarm and maggots eat away at them. The face of each of the animals is badly severed – it is clear where the poachers’ axes have struck.

From the position of the elephants, investigators suspect that there was a stampede as the animals tried -- and failed -- to race away.

It is grim evidence of a growing problem for Kenya. According to the country’s Prime Minister Raila Odinga, 360 elephants were killed in Kenya last year – almost one a day – up from 289 in 2011.

Demand comes from the growing middle class in China, where ground tusk is said to have medicinal value, and ivory is still desirable in jewelry and home decorations. A pound of illegal ivory can fetch around $1,000.

“The dynamics of poaching are taking a different angle altogether because there is a lot of demand for ivory from outside,” Korir said.

“But in the history of Tsavo National Park this is the worst.”

He welcomes promises of greater investment in wildlife security, and calls by world leaders for a global campaign against trafficking. But his priority now is to find the poachers behind Saturday’s attack.

“The message is clear. They come (back) into the national park at their own peril. The rangers are there and waiting for them. They come and they will be eliminated.

“These are dangerous gangs. They carry firearms. There are no two ways about it – fire for fire. So let them come. We are equally prepared. We are waiting.”

Bhagavan “Doc” Antle created the attraction, T.I.G.E.R.S. to provide enriched habitats for many species of endangered animals.  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.

 

 

We had a glorious trip to Hong Kong, one of the most exciting cities in the world. But a side trip up to Guangzhou formerly Canton turned out to be the highlight of the entire trip. We had a stop at the Guangzhou Zoo, one of the largest in China. There we came almost face to face with a giant South Chinese Tiger. His cage bars were no more than four feet from us and we got to see him up close and personal. A more magnificent creature I have never seen. He looked like a size 100 wearing a size 150 skin...to watch his beautiful coat move as he paced and be so close we could hear him breathe was an experience that changed me forever. We can't let these magnificent creatures disappear and I'm going to do what I can to help make certain later generations can experience the wonder of Tigers.

Name: Christopher Lirely
City: Freestone
State: California

Good day from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach!    T.I.G.E.R.S. is a Sanctuary and Rescue facility for big cats, much like an animal shelter for dogs and house cats. Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina there are two exhibits; "Preservation Station" at Barefoot Landing and the 50 Acre preserve located just south of Myrtle Beach.

Tours run 3-5 days a week from March through October 6.

As I was searching for blog content today, I found the following article on Geoffroy's cats that I would like to share:  
 
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Geoffroy’s cats are one of the smallest wildcats on earth. Average weight ranges from 4 to 8 pounds.  

Other names for the Geoffroy's cat are Geoffroy's ocelot and gato montes (mountain cat). The feline was named after the French naturalist Geoffroy St. Hilaire.

Habitat: The Geoffroy's cat is a rugged feline. It has survived in some of the most formidable terrains. At 10,000 feet on the Antiplano in Bolivia, a barren windswept plateau of salt flats to the "Green Hell", a vast central lowland area along the eastern slope of the Andes of northwest Argentina. It can survive and thrive in the hottest temperatures in all South America. The Geoffroy's cat is the only shorthaired cat that can thrive so far from the equator. From the heat of the "Green Hell" to powerful cold winds and never ending dry prairies with continuous dust storms in the Patagonia area of southern Argentina, a vast, sparse region inhabited by hardy Aboriginal Indians, you guessed it . . . you'll find the Geoffroy's cat.

Behavior: If adaptability is the key to survival in this ever-changing environment, this little feline may out survive all other cats in the wild! Reported to be nocturnal, the Geoffroy's cat will hunt mainly rodents and birds. He will utilize both trees and open land for hunting. Mainly terrestrial, he will use any available cover to hunt, avoiding open spaces, moving from rock or bush when possible.

It has been reported, as a pet, the Geoffroy's cat will avoid crossing an open room, preferring a serpentine movement from one chair to another, until he reaches the other side of the room.

Appearance: Geoffroy's cats obey basic rules of wild animal genetics. The large cats are from the southern quarter of Argentina. They have longer coats that are waterproof (like seals), and the undercoat is dense. This coat helps to conserve body heat. The smallest cats are from Paraguay. Here the coat is shorter and is coarse and lies close to the body to help keep the body cooler in the heat near the equator.

The coat color also changes with geography. Coat color ranges from silver-gray through ocher-yellow to brownish-yellow. All cats are covered with back spots of nearly equal size placed at equal distance from one another. Some cats have markings on shoulders and flanks which tend to form rosettes and wavy lines. The head is streaked and spotted. The tail is spotted and ringed with a white spot at the tip.

Like many wild cats, the ears of a Geoffroy’s cat have the white spot behind. The paw pads are usually dark, the nose a brick red and eye color that ranges from clear gold to amber. This species is usually 18 to 27 inches long with an average size of 23 inches. Tail length average is 14 inches. As previously stated, weight ranges from 4 to 8 pounds. Some males may weight up to 12 pounds, and females are about 6 pounds.

Reproduction: Litters consist of usually two to three kittens. The kittens are born with lush undercoats that are fully spotted. Sexual maturity is at about 1 1/2 years. Geoffroy's cat has been reported to breed easily in captivity. Although disagreement exists in the breeding with domestics, some breeders have reported enough unrelated bloodlines to maintain genetic vigor.

Status: CITES (Convention of Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna) enacted in 1974; an agreement between nations to regulate trade of endangered species, classified the Geoffroy's cat as APPENDIX I, which means trade is strictly regulated, but is still allowed.
The Geoffroy's cat's greatest threat is from human disturbance of habitat and over harvest for the fur trade. The little cat has few predators in the wild.  From www.felineconservation.org

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The staff at T.I.G.E.R.S. hopes that by creating this tour, the public will gain a new understanding and awareness of these and other endangered species. And hopefully help save them and the wild places that they live before they are lost to this world forever.  All proceeds from the tour go to The Rare Species Fund and The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species.

For more information on the tour in Myrtle Beach, please 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.

Good chilly Thursday from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach!  For those of you who wished for chilly weather, you got your wish!  Winter months are perfect for making plans for the warmer weather to come.  If you live here or are planning a visit, you should definitely plan to visit T.I.G.E.R.S.

T.I.G.E.R.S.,(The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species) is a wildlife education organization, dedicated to promoting global conservation with informative, educational and entertaining interactive programs.  All of the animals can be seen up close and uncaged in close personal contact with their trainers.  When you take the tour, you are helping endangered and exotic animals everywhere.  

Please enjoy this article I read this morning:

Conservationists say elephants are being driven to extinction in large parts of Africa, amid the seizure of a large shipment of poached ivory in Malaysia.

ELEPHANTS are being driven to extinction in large parts of Africa, conservationists said yesterday after the discovery of what is thought to be the largest shipment of poached ivory in Malaysia.

Seizure of 1500 tusks hidden in shipping containers destined for Asian buyers highlighted the scale of the trade that is destabilising African nations by helping to fund rebel movements, they said.

The shipment originated in Togo, a popular smuggling outlet for armed gangs who control the illegal ivory trade.

"I fear that elephants may disappear entirely from those parts of Africa least able to protect them from the onslaught," said Virginia McKenna, the actress and founder of the Born Free Foundation.

Richard Thomas, of the wildlife-trade monitoring group Traffic, said that although elephant populations in southern Africa were well protected, and therefore growing, those in other parts of the continent were under serious threat.

"The majority of poached animals are in Central Africa, and that is down to poor governance," Mr Thomas said.

The region's dwindling population of forest elephants are prized by poachers for their finer, straighter tusks and pinkish ivory.

A report submitted to the UN yesterday by the WWF warned that the illegal ivory trade threatened Africa's governments as rebel groups used the sale of tusks to fund their wars.

"This is about much more than wildlife. This crisis is threatening the very stability of governments. It has become a profound threat to national security," said Jim Leape, director-general of WWF International.

In this week's seizure the Malaysian authorities estimate that 20 tonnes of ivory were hidden in secret chambers in 10 containers supposedly carrying wooden floor tiles.

The shipment travelled from Togo via Spain and was destined for China until customs officials at Port Kelang made the discovery.

This single haul is almost equivalent to the total amount of ivory seized last year, the worst year on record.

Despite a ban on ivory since 1989 demand has continued to soar, primarily in China and Thailand.

A recent investigation by National Geographic magazine revealed another growing market in the Philippines, where ivory is carved into icons venerated by its Catholic population.

In June the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species described the plight of Africa's elephants as "critical" and said that elephant poaching had reached its highest level for a decade, with tens of thousands of animals killed for their tusks each year.

By: Tristan McConnell
From: The Times

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!

Good afternoon and good Friday to all from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach!  Do you love animals?  Did you know there are two attractions here where you can get up close with wild animals?   T.I.G.E.R.S Preserve and Preservation Station are wildlife exhibits and living tiger habitats. At both, you will find the chance to meet some of the world’s most amazing animals up-close and in-person while they play and relax in an outdoor environment. You will see Bengal tigers, Siberian tigers, Royal White Bengal tigers and of course, the Golden Tabby tiger, presented by a loving and dedicated staff. 

 

Enjoy this interesting article I found on one lucky White Tiger:

By Keith Reid
kreid@recordnet.com
Record Staff Writer
December 05, 2012 12:00 AM

LODI - Bob Ringo cringed while peering through a window into the surgery room at Lodi's Arbor Pet Clinic on Tuesday, watching as his 16-year-old white tiger Twix underwent a tail amputation.

Ringo, 62, raised Twix since birth at his Cave Junction, Ore., Tiger Preservation Center. He was heartbroken on Thanksgiving when another tiger clawed and bit Twix's tail, leaving major gashes in the appendage. After being injured, the 300-pound cat would not leave the injury alone, and tried to lick it until it healed. The tail became infected.

"I can't bear to watch it," Ringo said. "I'd be in there if it was something else. But, this ... this is hard to watch."

Twix is said to be a "sweetheart" that enjoys human interaction. She suffered a back injury four years ago that made her slow enough to put her in a position where she could not avoid the Thanksgiving day tail injury.

The Tuesday surgery was performed by Dr. Richard Turner at his Lodi office. Turner has become known as one of the top big cat veterinarians in the northwest. Ringo said Oregon veterinarians don't have the expertise or desire to work on large cats.

So, Ringo and a friend put Twix in the back of a minivan and drove 400 miles for the surgery. The 3-foot long tail has a diameter of about four inches at the base. Turner worked to cauterize the veins and safely remove the tail of the sedated tiger. The tail would be sent for cremation.

Turner's staff performed a dental cleaning at the same time.

"Dr. Turner and Dr. Lindsay Phillips are the best," Ringo said. Phillips is a former University of California, Davis veterinarian that assisted Turner on Tuesday's surgery.

Ringo's Tiger Preservation Center is a non-profit rescue. There are 12 tigers, two lions, and a leopard living at the shelter, Ringo said.

Turner said he's proud to be able to perform surgeries and dental work on tigers and other large cats because most species are either endangered or close to being endangered. He said white tigers are under siege in other parts of the world, and lion bones are used for aphrodisiacs, which leads to poaching.

White tigers are Bengal tigers. Their color comes from a recessive gene that makes their fur white with black stripes instead of orange with black stripes. They are rare, but can be found in India.

"We got everything taken care of, and I don't think there's going to be any swelling. She's all ready for recovery and heading back home," Turner said.

Come and cuddle up and get hands-on with a variety of animals while they sit on your lap.  Visit Preservation Station or T.I.G.E.R.S. the 50-acre preserve in Myrtle Beach, home to over 60 big cats. Monkey around with our apes, watch tigers swim and meet our grey wolves. Fly trained falcons, get the feel for our “cubs” and you may even get to meet Bubbles the Elephant. This is the only place in the world where you get to meet the Liger, the world’s largest cat as seen in the 2006 Guiness Book of World Records!

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.

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.

So AWesome

Name: Danielle Mimm
City: Wytheville
State: Virginia

Hi From Myrtle Beach!  I've posted many times about Nature Conservationists and their efforts to rescue endangered animals. A perfect place for these creatures is an animal sanctuary.  Unlike animal shelters, sanctuaries do not seek to place animals with individuals or groups, instead maintaining each animal until his or her natural death.

Please enjoy the following recent article:

KENDALL COUNTY, Texas -- "Wild and exotic animals at an area animal sanctuary that have been rescued from trafficking and inhumane treatments are getting some much needed help from television legend Bob Barker.

A woman running the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation facility reached out to Barker for help and what came after that may surprise you.

The animal sanctuary has been saving thousands of mammals, birds and reptiles since 1977. It's a 187 acre facility located near Kendalia in Kendall County. Because the sanctuary commits to taking care of the animals for life, their founder Lynn Cuny said they have a lot of expenses.

That’s why Lynn decided to reach out to well known animal lover Bob Barker for help.

She said, “This sanctuary here is very unique in that these animals have, like these monkeys and these lemurs have space in which to live that is very natural”.

Lynn has rescued many exotic creatures from the underground pet trade world.

“We also rescue them from road side zoos”.

Many times these types of animals are victimized when taken out of their natural habitat and sold as pets. But Lynn says they are not pets. They’re wild animals that require special care which can be costly.

“Like every non-profit organization there's always times when you, when things are tight financially tight and we're not immune to that either,” said Lynn.

That’s why she reached out to Bob Barker's foundation known for donating to such causes.
Initially she asked for $5,000 to buy an avian ventilator. Then she was surprised to get a call from Barker himself.

“He said that we probably could use a little bit extra money. And I said always, so he said I’m going to give you $250,000”.

The Wildlife Rescue facility operates on a $2 million budget a year so this will be a big step for next year to feed and care for the animals.

If you'd like to donate or simply find out more information about Kendall County-based Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, visit their website www.wildlife-rescue.org."
-Reported by: Laurie Salazar

There is a 50-acre Animal Sanctuary Attraction just minutes from Myrtle Beach.  T.I.G.E.R.S. Preserve hosts tigers, wolves, leopards, chimpanzees, orangutans, and other endangered species and even a liger (a cross between a lion and a tiger, and it weighs over 900 lbs!).  

When you take the tour, you are not only witnessing an amazing animal show, you are helping out with support, research and conservation projects for Endangered wildlife species and the rare species fund.  For additional information, visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com.

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.

Good day from T.I.G.E.R.S. in Myrtle Beach.  The season here has come to a close but the trainers and animals live with the animals 24 hours a day, year round.  People often think it is dangerous to get so close to wild animals like these, but the handlers here at T.I.G.E.R.S. have been with these animals since they were cubs and have developed a special friendship based on love and respect. In fact, Dr. Antle and his partner Kheira have actually delivered many of the cubs in the enclosure with the mothers because of their special relationships. T.I.G.E.R.S. has a proven method of training these animals: Never treat them as pets, lots of tender loving care, and thousands of hours of one-on-one handling; we even live with the animals 24 hours a day.  

 

The staff at the preserve value these rare creatures for their beauty and intelligence.

Did you know the Golden Tabby tiger is one of the world's rarest big cats? This type of tiger became extinct in the wild in 1932 when the last two were shot in Mysore Padesh, India. From work done by us at the Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species and our breeding partner Dr. Jossip Marcan we have brought back from the very edge of extinction the Golden Tabby Tiger. The Golden Tabby tiger is a white tiger with red stripes and a red saddle pattern. It has none of the black coloration of a standard Bengal tiger of a Royal White Bengal tiger. We are very proud to say that since the first birth in 1987 that their are now more than 30 Golden Tabby tigers in existence today.

The golden tiger's white coat and gold patches make it stand out from the norm. Their striping is much paler than usual and may fade into spots or large prominent patches. Golden tigers also tend to be larger and, due to the effect of the gene on the hair shaft, have softer fur than their orange relatives.

Experience this Wildlife presentation with the world's rarest big cats.  At T.I.G.E.R.S you will observe and learn about many rare and unique animals, in a new and completely different way. You will not see our animals sleeping or pacing in cages, as you may find in "traditional" zoos. Instead you will have a look at some of the most magnificent creatures on Earth up close and uncaged you can see and photograph the animals climbing and jumping and doing all the natural activities they would normally do in the wild.

 

Go online and visit www.myrtlebeachsafari.com for more information about the Rare Species Fund, the tour and Tigers Preserve. All proceeds from the tour go to The Rare Species Fund and The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species.

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.