What’s Your Preference?

stevoarnold · #1 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 12:09 PM

My trip to the zoo yesterday led me to take this shot of another critically endangered species, the Sumatran Tiger.

There are less than 500 of these left in the wild and around another 500 in zoos around the world. Found only on the island of Sumatra, many of the surviving wild Sumatran Tigers are finding their habitat being destroyed for agriculture. The ones living in the relative safety of game reserves are being poached, despite conservation efforts.

Since reading Richard Dawkins book on evolution I have really come to appreciate the monumental journey that all creatures have taken to arrive at where we are now and it saddens me deeply to know that such amazing creatures can be pushed so close to the brink of extinction by modern man.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this shot and can appreciate the beauty of this wonderful big kitty.

Peace

Hayward Taylor · #2 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 01:21 PM

Hello there = they are indeed beautiful creatures

dmpete · #3 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 01:38 PM

What a wonderful picture. God's creation is truly wonderful. And you've captured it so well.

But then wouldn't there extinction just continue to prove the theory of "evolution." The weak die out and the strong survive? Or is there a better theory and a better way we should consider such as "creation" and God has asked us to be good stewards of this planet he has placed us on. And the survival of such beautiful creations is up to us to help maintain.

Tenzin'sMom · #4 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 02:02 PM

He is indeed gorgeous! Looking at those eyes makes me feel like a small scared rabbit -- a perspective that's good to have every now and then. What a wonderful photo.

StellaG · #5 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 02:20 PM

Wow, really great capture. Very nice detail on his head and face. A huge tragedy that we may only be able to see these magnificent animals in captivity someday ;-(

Jun Xiang Goh · #6 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 03:34 PM

great..thx for sharing

robert1083 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 03:40 PM

those eyes are so sharp and intense!

stevoarnold · #8 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 11:12 PM

Thanks for the comments everyone!

I know this is not a critique forum, but while we are here I wondered if it was immediately obvious that this was shot through glass or not and if it takes anything away from the image?

jack russell · #9 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 11:20 PM

nice bit of work .. how anyone could even consider taking one of these magnificant beasts is beyond imagination .. they are the genesis of the term loser ...