One of the most unique representatives of our planet is the tiger lion. At the same time, he looks like both a tiger and a lion. This hybrid first appeared in the 18th century. There are not so many individuals in the world, but hundreds and even thousands of people come every day to look at this interesting beast. Tigrolva is also called tiglon or taigon, but it is more common to call it tigrolev.
This species is practically excluded from the wild, as the standard habitat of the tiger differs from the natural habitat of the lion. Mostly large zoos were engaged in breeding this hybrid in order to attract new visitors and surprise them with its uniqueness. This was done in order to increase profits. Also, several tigers were born in circuses, where they now perform.
Tigrolev is born in the process of crossing a tiger (male) and a lioness (female). If there is a male lion and a female tigress, the result will also be a hybrid, but it will be called a liger. These are completely different animals, although they belong to the same class and have some external resemblance. Therefore, we can conclude that the tigrolev was bred exclusively by artificial means.
Tigerlions are very spectacular in appearance, although not so graceful. They look more like lions, although at birth they often have all the signs of a tiger. In size, they are much smaller than their relatives. The weight of tigers usually ranges from 150 kg. Baby tiger cubs are born either spotted (like their mother) or striped (like their father). Spots and stripes gradually lighten as they mature.
In adult Taigons, by reaching sexual maturity, the stripes are more noticeable on the head and on the paws. The tail is long and has a tassel at the end, but the mane is in most cases shorter than that of lions. Sometimes it may even be absent altogether. The coat is thick and shiny. Tigerlions have a very weak immune system, as they are bred in captivity. Most babies die at birth. Adults are quite hardy.
The animal lives exclusively in zoos, each is closely monitored daily. In nature, the natural home of tigers is Asia. Lions live in the regions of Central and South Africa. That is why, theoretically, they cannot be found in the wild. Although it is impossible to exclude such a possibility, cases of artificial crossing are still considered.
For the first time, this mating method began to be done in zoos in China, and more than twelve individuals have recently been bred. Young tiger cubs are fed with milk, as females very often do not have enough of it. China has become the champion in breeding tigers. In Russia, this is not so popular, however, in 2009, a tiger cub appeared in the Volgograd Zoo, which was named Jackson & # 8212; in honor of singer Michael Jackson.
Young tiger cubs are fed with milk. Adult tigers eat chickens, rabbit meat, raw processed beef meat, and offal. For good development, they need bones and cow hooves to grind down their teeth. Since this animal is a predator by nature, zoo staff often bring live chickens and rabbits as food, which tiger tigers kill on their own.
By nature, these representatives are relatively calm. They treat a person with almost indifference and without aggression, although safety precautions are observed at the strictest level in enclosures. During the day, they sleep in a shelter, prefer the shade, and get out only during feeding. Since this animal was born and grows in captivity, it does not feel enemies, but quite gets used to the person.
At the Volgograd Zoo, for example, a small Rottweiler puppy was placed in an enclosure for Jackson the tiger. Surprisingly, Jackson became friends with the puppy. Scientists suggest that in a real habitat, tigers could also live in packs and hunt together. They have well developed senses, and the body is well adapted for running — speed can reach 70-75 kilometers per hour. Such a speed would have helped well when hunting.
Reproduction of tigers is problematic. Only one or two pairs out of a hundred can give offspring. Many cubs are born prematurely, and some even die at birth. Adults placed in the same enclosure are very wary of each other and rarely give offspring. Basically, a small tiger cub and a lion cub are placed in one enclosure. This way there is more chance that they will become friends later.
During the mating season, the female lioness is very active, giving signals. But the male tiger, on the contrary, does not understand such hints and signals. If mating does happen, zoo staff begin to watch the pregnant female even more closely. In some cases, the pregnant female is moved to a separate enclosure. Vitamins and healthy supplements are also added to her daily meat diet.
Tigerlions are bred and bred in the territories of the zoo (in rare cases & # 8212; circus), so they have no enemies in this habitat. Theoretically, if we imagine that tigers lived in the wild, they could be at the top of the food chain, like lions or tigers we are used to. This is a worthy feline and a good predator that could perfectly hunt in a pack.
Tigerlions live only in zoos. Although scientists say that this species could adapt to life in the wild, such cases have not yet been studied. Tigerlions are absolutely not adapted to a wild independent life, they have practically no hunting skills and life in a common flock. In addition, males are completely sterile, so breeding in the wild will be even more problematic than in captivity.
There is a risk of complete extinction of tigers from our planet. To avoid this, these individuals are bred and kept in captivity. This is what helps to maintain a more or less stable population of this species. The number of tigers is being monitored. Nowadays, there are no more than ten individuals in the world, most of them live in China. All tigers are properly cared for.
It is very difficult to say and draw the correct conclusion whether the scientists did the right thing when they created this species. Tigrolev brings huge profits to zoos and circuses, this is a kind of & # 171; zest & # 187; that attracts people. Everyone wants to see a unique animal, the name of which is not even heard by everyone. Tigerlions are completely subject to the will of man and are forced to be born and exist only within the walls of the zoo.
