Governor Proclaims International Tiger Day 2023

WHEREAS, tigers play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem by regulating prey populations and contributing to the overall biodiversity of their habitat; and

WHEREAS, tigers face multiple threats, such as habitat loss due to deforestation, poaching for their skin, bones, and other body parts, and the impacts of climate change, which have led to a decline in their population in the wild; and

WHEREAS, the latest tiger assessment by the World Wildlife Fund offers hope by indicating a 40 percent increase in the global population of tigers living in the wild, with an estimated 4,500 individuals; this increase is due to conservation efforts and shows that tigers can recover if given adequate protection; and

WHEREAS, pet tigers and those held in unaccredited facilities suffer from substandard living conditions, poor nutrition, and lack of proper medical care; they are often exploited for entertainment or profit, leading to physical and psychological distress; and

WHEREAS, the passage of the Big Cat Safety Act in 2022 represents a significant step in protecting big cats and ensuring their welfare; and

WHERESS, the act prohibits private ownership of big cats and bans activities like cub petting and photo ops, which lead to their exploitation and mistreatment; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is proud to be home to organizations like Carolina Tiger Rescue, who continue to rescue neglected or abused tigers and raise public awareness about the challenges facing wild cats in captivity and the wild, including habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July 29, 2023, as “INTERNATIONAL TIGER DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.