Animal Diaries Archive

Pugs for conservation

27 October 2006

As part of our ongoing effort to help save wild tigers, the big cat team are constantly looking for new ideas to raise much needed funds. We are very fortunate to be able to donate all profits raised from our donation box that is situated out the front of the tiger temple as Australia Zoo takes care of any administration costs associated with this important cause.

We have found that the generosity of some people is overwhelming, with some donating $20 or even $50, which goes a long way to helping save these magnificent animals. We are very thankful to our patrons who help us out with a donation, so much so that we have started giving them something back in return.

While on one of our regular tiger walks out the back of the Zoo we found that Khan, our largest tiger had left a very distinct paw print or 'pug' in some mud, so we went back and took a plaster cast of it. From this cast we made a mould and can now pour plaster pugs with Khans name on the front. We make these pugs in rich, earthy colours and paint them with a special sealer to help protect them. Now if guests want to make a $20 donation we are able to give them a pug of Khan as a token of our gratitude, and we have found that people are very happy with their exclusive souvenir.

Remember it only takes $5 to save 1 tiger for 1 day in the wild, hence our conservation slogan - TIGER 511.