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| Some of the attendees pose for a group photo before the opening of the Summit! |
Over 70 attendees showed up for the 3rd Annual
National Tigers for Tigers Coalition Summit last week in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana. Students from Auburn University, Clemson University, Towson
University, Trinity University, Mizzou and even students as far as Rochester
Institute of Technology showed up for the big event hosted at LSU.
The summit was comprised of an A-list group of speaker
sessions, a panel discussion, and ended with a crawfish boil Baton Rouge-style.
Amongst the A-list group of speakers was Judy Mills, journalist and most
recently author of “Blood of the Tiger.” With over 20 years experience
investigating the truth behind wildlife trafficking in regards to not only
tigers, but other endangered species, Judy shed light on a part of conservation
we often don’t see. “Her talk was awesome…she had a strong personal connection
to tiger farming, and her passion for saving tigers was inspiring,” said Alex
Rubin, Clemson T4T sophomore.
Assistant Director of International Affairs for the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service closed the program on Saturday with a heartfelt
presentation reminding students how important their voices are. Not only did
the speakers inspire students, the special guests reminded the students that
they are the ones who are inspiring. Bryan explained, “Working in conservation
for so long can get sad and lonely. It is me who is inspired by people like you
in Tigers for Tigers.”
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| Students film T4T's first Earth Day #RUATiger video outside LSU's Death Valley Stadium |
While students spent time communicating with each other
about fundraising and recruiting, others participated in the production of
Tigers for Tigers’ first ever Earth Day video (which was filmed right outside
Mike VI’s habitat!) In the video, students urged other tigers to show their
tiger spirit by posting a photo on Instagram using #RUATiger to celebrate Earth
Day. Click here to watch the video!
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| Dulac Smack jams out at Tin Roof Brewing Company |
This year, the summit closed with a full-on social event at
Tin Roof Brewing Company equipped with fresh crawfish, locally brewed beer, and live
music from up and coming southern funk band, Dulac Smack! LSU T4T president,
Nicole Stagg, said, “I loved that everyone was able to get to know each other
this year, and it was a great time to get ready for an awesome new year
starting Fall!”
Speakers also included LSU’s Mike the tiger’s vet, Dr.
Baker, Rezvin Akter of WildTeam, Sharon Guynup, author of “Tigers Forever,”
Paul Taylor, CEO of Global Citizen, and Carson Barylak of IFAW. Tigers for
Tigers would like to thank all of the amazing speakers, Dr. Tonkyn, Bill Nimmo,
LSU, Beacon Press, IFAW and the National Wildlife Refuge Association, and most importantly the
students for all of their support! Also, a special thanks to Tin Roof Brewing Company and Dulac Smack for making sure T4T had a great time while saving tigers!
When asked for a statement on Tigers for Tigers at the end of the summit, Judy replied, “Mark these words: Tigers for Tigers will become a force to be reckoned with for wild tigers.” The words have been marked, Judy!
Go Tigers!
Carrah Lingo
Communications Associate
NT4TC
Go Tigers!
Carrah Lingo
Communications Associate
NT4TC
