As animal rights activists nearly destroyed the last of the Amur tigers

The Amur tiger is one of the most endangered animals on the continent. This predator is not just under threat of extinction — the existence of this species hangs in the balance. The plight of the largest cats in the world could not fail to attract the attention of animal rights activists, but the fight for the preservation of tigers took an unexpected turn.

Studies conducted in the far East in the early 90-ies, showed that the Amur tigers in nature there are not more than 350 animals.

In this regard, many environmental organizations have launched programs to protect endangered species. One of the most prolonged and widespread campaign was a program of WCS society "the Amur tiger", which lasted 18 years.

Unfortunately, the activities of these animal rights activists once again proved the correctness of the assertion that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The efforts of activists nearly destroyed the last of the Amur tigers. How does that happen?

To help the poor animals, the animal rights activists wanted to know more about their lives. To observe a tiger in nature is possible only with the help of Radiotehnika — tested and safe for animals device. But in order to put the collar on the animal, it is first necessary to catch.

It is at this stage Amur tigers and were in danger. The fact is, that to catch large and dangerous predator WCS staff used a very controversial so — called "foot loop of Aldrich." A device designed to catch large animals and is a steel cable with a strong spring and a clever clips.

Broken fangs

Chance to escape from this trap the predator is very small, but the tiger did not understand. Making attempts to escape from the trap, animals seriously injured legs, fangs and even torn muscles.

The mutilated paws of the tiger loop

In the harsh conditions of the far Eastern taiga, tiger with this kind of injury has little chance to survive, so 50 of 70 WCS specialists captured animals died.

The operation to "rescue" the Amur tigers ended only in 2010. And in 2012, environmentalists sued the leaders of the project "Amur tiger" the charge of cruel treatment of wild animals, which often led to their death. The WCS did not plead guilty and stood firm on the fact that the deaths of tigers due to injuries received in the loop, were isolated. How many actually died animals from unprofessional actions "animal welfare activists", precisely tell nobody can.