Tigers for Tigers: A Force To Be Reckoned With

Some of the attendees pose for a group photo before the opening of the Summit!

Over 70 attendees showed up for the 3^rd 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.”

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!

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

College Daze: Costa Rica, Beyonce, and Saving Tigers!

By: Sean Carnell

Trinity University T4T had a very successful fall semester by finding ways to reach out and give back to their community. During Tiger Awareness Week, Trinity T4T raised $200 in hopes to support the tiger habitat of the San Antonio Zoo. Throughout the semester, they worked with multiple student organizations, not only to educate their peers about their mascot; but also, to bring student groups together at their holiday-themed events and t-shirt giveaway.

Tito Sandigo is a junior, double major in Business Administration: Marketing and Theater with a minor in Spanish at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

“What’s great about Trinity are the academics, and the tight-knit community on campus.  We get to know everyone on a closer level and really enjoy it,” Tito Sandigo, Trinity T4T leader.

As Tito is enjoying his winter vacation in Costa Rica with his sister, we talk about T4T.

S: We like to do these fun questions at the beginning before we get into T4T. Describe your college experience in three words.

T: Hmm… Life changing, I don’t want to say stressful, but challenging, and superb!

S: What is your favorite college-themed movie?

T: Let me think…would the Social Network count?  That would work, which is fantastic, and I love Accepted.

S: Those are awesome, now on to Tigers for Tigers! How did you get involved with Tigers for Tigers?

T: I found out about Tigers for Tigers through my sister, Gabriela Sandigo who founded Trinity T4T as a result of meeting you in Costa Rica!  I was a little skeptical at first, just because I didn’t know what it was, but it opened my eyes about the plight of tigers – which matters to me because I really enjoy animals.  Knowing that such a regal creature was going extinct is just terrifying!  So I was happy to find out that she was able to make it an official club on campus, and that is how I became involved.

S: It’s amazing to see how the relationship between your sister and I, from a study abroad program, turned into a T4T club at Trinity. What kept you interested?

T: It’s because I saw that no one was doing anything about it except for a few other people.  For me to inspire others to get this whole movement on-board with as many people as possible, kept me interested with the idea of actually making a difference, and to be a part of something that other people my age are involved in is exciting.

S: Do you see any overlap between your major and Tigers for Tigers?

T: Yes, I see it in terms of marketing our organization on campus, and within our small Trinity community.  From the business perspective, I’m gaining a greater perspective on the importance of building connections with others.

S: So what are you looking forward to with Tigers for Tigers this semester?

T: Definitely having more events and getting more of our community involved, and along with the opportunity for our members to attend the upcoming summit at LSU.

S: What advice do you have for other T4T members and leaders?

T: Stay determined.  Keep up the motivation levels of your members, and remember why we started what we are doing: to save our mascot.

 S: One more question before we head out...What is your favorite college anthem to listen to before you go out?

T: Definitely Beyoncé.  Of Course!  Well right now, 7-11.  That’s a good one.

To find more information about Trinity Tigers for Tigers, please visit their Facebook page or follow them on twitter. Go tigers!

-Sean Carnell

1st National Tiger Awareness Week a ROARING Success!

Seven tiger-mascot schools across the nation participated in T4T’s 1^st Annual National Tiger Awareness Week from November 10^th - November 16^th. The idea was sparked at the last National T4T Summit held in Columbia, MO and is the first nationally student-led initiative for Tigers for Tigers!

The overall purpose of this week was to raise awareness on campus by engaging with students through interactive activities. One activity known as “The Tiger Skit” involves the university mascot being chased by a “poacher” in high traffic areas throughout campus. Encouraging conversation on social media, students are asked to tweet photos of the mascot using #MakeARoar. As a result, over 300 tweets were produced with the hashtag! Melissa Ventura, Towson University T4T club member said, “The Tiger Skit was a fun and creative way to bring awareness around campus regarding endangered wild tigers.” Rochester Institute of Technology’s mascot, Ritchie, even managed to make it on their local news channel, Fox Rochester WUHF, while competing in a #MascotMatchup! Click here to watch the clip.

Towson mascot, Doc, helps T4T #MakeARoar

A main focus of the week was to showcase the award-winning documentary, “The Elephant in the Living Room.” Starring Tim Harrison, Director of Outreach for Animals, this documentary explores the world of private ownership of exotic animals from both the owner’s and law enforcement’s side. Tim Harrison, expert on the removal of exotic animals, spoke at the 2^nd Annual T4T Summit at Mizzou and most recently at Clemson University for National Tiger Awareness Week. Over 100 students showed up on a Friday night at Tillman Auditorium in Clemson, SC to listen to Tim Harrison speak about the consequences of owning exotic animals, why it’s dangerous, and why it’s important to act now. Harrison said, “This is my favorite organization here in the U.S., and I’m not exaggerating, because you guys are going to pick up the baton.” Tigers for Tigers has gladly accepted that offer!

Ranging from Colorado, to Texas, all the way to New York, these universities reached a total student population of over 130,000 on their campuses. Being mostly an awareness campaign, clubs across the country still managed to raise over $1,000 to go towards tiger conservation. Organizations such as National Wildlife Refuge Association, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Big Cat Rescue and Outreach for Animals promoted the week as well, reaching out to over 1 million fans on Facebook and Twitter. Hats off to the T4T clubs at Colorado College, Trinity University, LSU, Mizzou, RIT, Towson University and Clemson University for participating in a very successful National Tiger Awareness Week!

Visit our Facebook to view more photos from the event!

Go Tigers!

Carrah Lingo

Communications Associate

NT4TC

clingo@clemson.edu