Written by Nina van Zyl

It is nearly impossible to be unaware of the 2020 cultural phenomenon that was the Netflix series “The Tiger King”. But what the series glosses over and what many don’t know is the shocking extent of America’s captive big cat problem and the far-reaching effects it has on the real-time conservation of tigers in the wilderness. 

July’s Binge – The Hidden Tiger

“The very first step to stopping the extermination of tigers in the wild is to stop the private possession of them in captivity.”

Brief Summary 

The Hidden Tiger explores how the shocking number of captive tigers in the United States is linked to the decreasing number of wild tigers. The documentary reveals the impact of unregulated breeding and mistreatment of these apex predators that are exploited for mere roadside entertainment.

Rescue Docs Films investigates the situation of tigers across the globe, including India, Nepal, the UK, and the US, and spoke with experts on the subject of tiger conservation. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 5,000-10,000 tigers being held at roadside attractions and by private owners. In comparison, fewer than 4,000 tigers currently exist in the wild. 

The Hidden Tiger sheds light on potential solutions being implemented to protect tigers from extinction. It showcases tiger conservation efforts in Asia and advocates for responsible federal legislation in America.

Available on: Waterbear

The Sustainability Factor

Overall: 4/5

The Hidden Tiger is an important look at the sustainability of the worldwide tiger population, shining a light on the unethical practices and mistreatment of captive tigers in the United States. The documentary makes it clear that the private ownership of tigers not only negatively affects the animal’s welfare and the safety of the owners, but is also dangerous to the public at large. This is evidenced by footage of an escaped tiger as it leaps across a line of firefighters as they battle a blazing housefire. 

The documentary advocates for responsible federal legislation and reinforces the importance of sanctuaries that provide care for neglected and abandoned tigers in the US. It examines the importance of educating the public about why cub encounters and roadside animal attractions should be avoided. 

The Viatu Review  

Themes

The film’s central themes centre around human beings’ need to connect with animals, and how this affection and love for wild things can sometimes, oftentimes, be to the animals’ detriment. It’s made clear to us that the best way to love and care for wild animals is at a distance.

Production 

Produced by Rescue Docs Films, the film includes footage of captive tigers and other big cats at petting zoos, juxtaposed with shots of lone tigers prowling through protected forests, interspersed with interviews with conservationists from both sides of the Atlantic.

What Makes it Different 

The Hidden Tiger takes a hard look at an issue that isn’t often spoken about in mainstream media. Scrolling through social media, one easily comes across a clip of a tiger in someone’s house doing “cat things”, belying the reality that these are not simply big “kitty cats”. The impact of wild animals held in captivity by private people on conservation efforts and the health of the species’ population in the wild is bigger than most people realise. The film makes us see that supporting animals in captivity has a far-reaching impact, bigger than just that one animal but no bigger than our own actions. 

(Have a look at this blog post for more on unethical animal experiences and how you can avoid them)

The Hidden Tiger is a very necessary look at the state of privately-owned tigers and their wild counterparts. It drives home the message that to support conservation efforts, we need to do our research and support organisations that do the work from start to finish.

At Viatu, we only support properties and activities that allow zero close interactions between wild animals and people. Our strict stance on sustainability means our travellers have more ease of mind, knowing their journeys support local conservation companies and institutions that are passionate and responsible. Check out our exciting fully-customisable trips and start planning your very own excursion into the wilderness today.