OLYMPIA, Wash. - The divorce of a Sedro-Woolley couple has exotic pet enthusiasts scrambling to find two Siberian tigers a new home.
"I don't want to have to euthanize them," said Jennifer Jones, the owner of the tigers who can no longer afford to care for the tigers.
The food bill for the two 500-pound animals costs Jones about $400 a month.
Jones' two other large cats, a lynx and a serval, have been relocated to a sanctuary in Olympia.
The director of the Wild Felid Advocacy Center said the tigers may be moved to sanctuaries in California or Wisconsin, but the non-profit organization does not have the money to move them.
"That could cost $5,000", said director Sheleen Mathews.
If anyone would like to help go to wildfelids.org for more information.
tlw16 said on November 5, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Seriously?? Why do people own such large predators that are capable of killing people? about a month ago a black bear killed it's owner, it lived in a 15x 15 foot cell. I'm happy for the bear that retaliated against it's keeper. These people are morons!!! They have to be the ones paying for the cost to move them! They decided to buy these animals, now they need to take responsibility for them!!! I sure hope the animals aren't euthanized because of the moronic owners, that's just not fair. i also hope that they never own another exotic animal!!!
kayak1900 said on November 5, 2009 at 5:46 PM
This makes me so mad! I have absolutely NO sympathy for this stupid lady! I feel bad for the tigers. This stupid owner will just dump the cats on a sanctuary and never donate any money to care for them. Sounds like the husband is already done with the tigers. Too bad the sanctuary that takes the animals can't get a court order to get some sort of money from these idiot owners. I hope these people never own another animal.
jcman said on November 5, 2009 at 6:22 PM
kayak 1900 7 tls16 I totally agree. Make both parties to the divorce each pay half the cost to move them at the very least.
spokboy said on November 5, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Perhaps you "idiots" could take the time to find the truth before calling her stupid. The cats belonged to her ex-husband before they got married. He left her with the cats and does not provide any support. She's trying to do the right thing and provide for them but can not afford them without support. Stop and think and send her some support.
tigerslove69 said on November 5, 2009 at 8:32 PM
you know what spokboy u are 100% right she has a heart of gold and has and is doing the right thing at least she is trying to find a home and not just letting them go in the wild. if anyone should be paying it shpould be her ex husband, my children have been there and she has never harmed or hrt any of her animals. so how about if we dig into your closets and see what u have to hide oh thats right your all saints please tyhe woman and her heart means and is well and gold. bless you jennifer your doing the right thing wish you could keep them!!!!!!!!!!! my husband and my 2 boys (who have been there and have pictures) and myself and one of your best friends love and respect your decsion it sucks but your doing the right thing. bless you !!!!!!!
katraft said on November 5, 2009 at 10:28 PM
tlw16 and kayak1900 - I believe the big cats were rescued originally with much money,time and work going into providing a proper place for the animals to live since they could never return to the wild. Where does it say that the wife is not going to help financially? I bet you both have experiences with turning over a pet dog or cat to a shelter-whether you personally or someone close to you? A sanctuary was handy when you couldn't or wouldn't continue your responsibility. But did you give more than a required donation? Donate food from time to time so the animals could be cared for? Get off your high horses. I worked with the wife - while I don't agree with keeping exotic animals, she cared deeply , strived to be as knowledgable as possible in order to make sure the cats lives were as good as they could be in the situation that fate handed them. If it bothers you that the tigers might be euthanized then grow up and HELP-don't mouth off when you don't know all the facts.
tlw16 said on November 6, 2009 at 3:00 PM
ok Katraft. Here is a response to you. The woman in the story clearly states that she is foreclosing on the house and can't pay to transfer the animals. I have never surrendered an animal because I don't take on responsibility that I can't handle! I have worked at an animal shelter for 6 years, was a humane officer, worked at a zoo, and volunteered at a big cat sanctuary.. my experience goes above and beyond that. I have no doubt that she cared for the animals, but that's not enough. intentions don't pay the bills and care for the animals. and please tell me why I and anyone else who is RESPONSIBLE and chose NOT to own 2 tigers and a lynx and a serval.. why the heck should I pay for someone else's poor decision to have these predators as pets?? If people are going to choose to own an animal, have a child, etc.. whatever the action is, they have to take responsibility for it. If I was her and I really cared I would be selling everything I own to alleviate costs.