Benagli was the last cat left at a defunct big cat sanctuary in Texas, from whom we had taken three other tigers the year before. In January of 2003 someone called us to help out with Bengali because no one else could take him in and he was starting to fail. We made arrangements for him to be brought to a vet we had worked with previously  as well as a small sanctuary that could hold him, but only for a short time. In May 2003 Bengali arrived -- emaciated, weak and with hardly any will to live.He slowly (very slowly) made some progress.  His first accomplishment was just being able to jump up on his 1-1/2 foot high bench; that took a week. Then he began acknowledging us, walking a little more each day, and gaining back some strength. Next he was running and showing interest in playing. We watched in amazement as the metamorphosis took place.

Spending time with him, trying to make things interesting for him, changing his diet until he finally would keep it down -- it all came together one morning in October when I opened his den door and he greeted me with a sound tigers make when greeting each other, a sound of confidence and trust. I knew then that Bengali had truly recovered.

Bengali's remarkable improvement and continued good health is in part due to excellent vet care and devoted staff, but is also, in large part, thanks to you. Without your kindness, compassion, and generosity, Bengali and our other residents would never know the life we now give them. Please donate today, knowing your gift is truly a gift of life to an animal in need.

You can also support Bengali directly by sponsoring him on the Wildlife Club!