David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation is sad to announce the death of Lyuti – the Amur tiger that  many of our supporters have so generously helped through our tiger adoption programme . On average, tigers live for between 10 and 15 years in the wild and 16 to 20 years in captivity. Lyuti was 21 and passed away quietly from old age - he was in no pain and did not suffer.

Lyuti had been rescued as a cub from the wild after his mother was killed by poachers. His injuries were such that he would never be able to fend for himself in the wild and it is thanks to your support that Lyuti was able to live such a long and settled life and to be such a magnificent ambassador for his species in the wild.

The Utyos Rehabilitation Centre, where Lyuti was cared for, has another Amur tiger desperately in need of help and we hope that many of you will now support Zhorik .

Zhorik (the affectionate diminutive of Grigory ), was used as a performing tiger by the Kurgansky circus but when a chicken bone lodged in his cheek and became seriously infected the circus was unable to care for him and Zhorik’s future looked bleak.  With the odds stacked against him local people collected money to buy Zhorik and to pay for the surgery that would save his life.

Led by vet, Dr. Karen Dallakyan , the young tiger underwent many operations, but the huge injury to his left cheek will require ongoing care and future surgery. Eduard Kruglov , director of the Utyos Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre offered to shelter Zhorik and the young tiger is now in their care.

This beautiful young tiger with such a traumatic history is now settling in to his new environment at Utyos – a far cry from his cramped ‘beast’ wagon at the circus - but he needs your help to support his day-to-day living and veterinary care.

If you would like to help Zhorik and his cousins in the wild you can adopt him by clicking here

For more on our tiger projects click here