It’s “International Tiger Day” so here’s the tiger from Whipsnade Zoo (taken a few years ago).
The tiger- a perfect predator? Amazing beauty, stunning agility and strength, and a powerful hunter. To stare into the eyes of a tiger sends shivers down the spine; the temptation to think of them as a bigger version of a domestic kitten is to be resisted. Unconquerable wildness dwells in the spirit of a tiger. They are to be admired (from a safe place!) and feared.
I remember Disney’s “Jungle Book” and scary Shere Khan- brilliantly voiced by George Sanders. I was quite young and impressionable (it’s still one of my favourite films!) and the cartoon voices of Kaa, Baloo, Shere Khan, and the Scouser vultures have stayed in my mind ever since. Such voices… especially the tiger…
“George Sanders provided the main speaking voice (of Shere Khan), giving the character a suave, baritone tone that emphasized his charm and menace” (Wikipedia)
Current conservation projects with tigers are doing a great job; yet tigers are endangered in the wild. Mostly, this is due to human encroachment on their habitats. Sadly, modern economics leaves little space for wildlife to flourish.
Theologically, the Genesis introduction to the world clearly indicates that humanity has a responsibility to be “Stewards” of Creation. To watch carelessly as the planet is abused and exploited is a grievous dismissal of accountability.
Celebrating the wonders all round us should be our decision. To praise the Creator and care for His masterpieces is our privilege not a burden!
Psalm 8
Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold
against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
You have made them
a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honour.
You made them rulers over
the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet:
all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Look, See, Pray 