“Tigers, typically formidable jungle creatures symbolizing ferocity, strength, and courage, take on a unique perspective in Janice Haley’s eyes. The 57-year-old Orlando, Florida resident sees these potentially dangerous animals as nothing less than endearing kittens. When you witness her interaction with her two exotic companions, Janda, a 400-pound Bengal tiger, and Saber, a 600-pound white Bengal tiger, you’ll understand why; they display the same affection and playfulness as their smaller domestic counterparts.”
Haley further explains, “In their eyes, I am their mother.” She goes on to say, “These affectionate cats nuzzle against me, and they even allow me to give them little kisses on their noses.” Three times a day, she personally hand-feeds her two pet tigers within an enclosure in her courtyard.
In 1995, Haley made the decision to leave her conventional desk job on her husband’s advice and embarked on a journey working with exotic cats. Since then, she has been the caregiver of various large cats and has enlisted numerous volunteers to assist in their care and playtime.
Haley openly acknowledges, “Those who argue that keeping them in captivity is cruel have a valid point.” She continues, “A cage is far from an ideal setting for a wild animal. But, the reality is, there’s not much hope left for them in the wild. If there are no more of them in enclosures in a couple of years, there may not be any left at all… Here, they are nurtured and loved. In my view, I wouldn’t mind being a tiger in my backyard.”
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