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PAWS Introduces Rescued Tigers Herman and Falcor

From PAWS Performing Animal Welfare Society
September 2022

Herman and Falcor, both born in 2012, were part of a major government action against the owners of a private zoo in Oklahoma, Jeff and Lauren Lowe (featured in the Netflix series "Tiger King"). DOJ filed its complaint against the Lowes, the agency stated that the couple had failed to provide "basic veterinary care, appropriate food, and safe living conditions for the animals." The Lowes have since been permanently banned from exhibiting wild animals.

This may be the first time we’re introducing you to our “new” tigers, Herman and Falcor, but in fact these special tigers have been in our care since May 2021. Why the long wait? Herman and Falcor, both born in 2012, were part of a major government action against the owners of a private zoo in Oklahoma, Jeff and Lauren Lowe (featured in the Netflix series "Tiger King"). The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) were involved in the action, and eventually 68 big cats were seized from the facility due to alleged violations of the federal Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act. At the time the DOJ filed its complaint against the Lowes, the agency stated that the couple had failed to provide "basic veterinary care, appropriate food, and safe living conditions for the animals." The Lowes have since been permanently banned from exhibiting wild animals.

PAWS was among a number of Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) accredited sanctuaries that took in the big cats. Now that legalities have been settled, we are pleased to tell you about Herman and Falcor.

Herman

Herman is considered to be a quiet, shy tiger. He saves his outgoing moments – rolling in the grass or lying upside down – for times when he thinks no one is looking. Herman loves to eat, and he prefers being bathed with a hose to lounging in his pool. This mellow tiger will emit friendly “chuffs” and rub up against his fence whenever caregivers are present. (Chuffs are a sociable vocalization that tigers use with each other or familiar people. They sound like breathy snorts.)

Herman enjoys the peaceful environment at ARK 2000, where he can truly relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature all around him. He particularly likes the scent of sage, which caregivers sprinkle throughout his habitat.

Falcor

Falcor is more outgoing and interested in everything going on around him. He can be found with his nose right up to the fence when caregivers are working nearby. He gets along well with other tigers housed in the habitats near him, but he is usually more interested in what the caregivers are doing and will chuff as they approach his enclosure. Falcor’s wild side comes out when he’s eating, so caregivers give him his space at that time. Naps are definitely a favorite pastime. When he was recently given some soft, fragrant branches from a redwood tree, Falcor joyfully rolled around on them, chewed them, and eventually tore them into bits, enjoying every minute.

As a white tiger, Falcor is the result of inbreeding to produce his coat coloring. A double recessive gene carried by a small percentage of tigers causes partial loss of pigmentation, resulting in white fur. Both parents must carry this uncommon gene, so inbreeding (pairing tigers who are closely related genetically) is used to create the novel color. Unfortunately, inbreeding can result in a variety of health issues for these tigers.

White tigers do not have any conservation value, although exhibitors will try to convince people otherwise as a way to appear credible. This only hinders the true conservation efforts that are needed to protect the fewer than 5,000 tigers remaining in the wild. White tigers are mostly seen in exploitive settings such as circuses, roadside zoos, and magic shows.

 

We are honored to welcome Herman and Falcor to the PAWS family and provide them with the care and respect they deserve. Thanks to Bobbi Brink of Lions, Tigers and Bears for transporting them to their forever home at PAWS.

If you would like to make a “Welcome Herman and Falcor!” donation, please visit our WEBSITE.

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