At MU Truman isn't the Only Tiger
MU Celebrates Tiger Awareness Month in October
Oct. 3, 2007
Story Contact: Christian Basi, (573) 882-4430, BasiC@missouri.edu
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Look anywhere on campus, and there is no doubt that the University of Missouri-Columbia loves its beloved black and gold mascot. In October, the University celebrates tiger awareness month and remembers that there are other tigers out in the world besides Truman.
The world’s tiger population is declining; there are only 3,000 left. Tigers have declined by 97 percent in the last century, and the Bengal tiger alone had declined by 50 percent the last five years. Reasons for this decline are habitat loss, illegal poaching and loss of prey.
In 1999, MU organized Mizzou Tigers for Tigers to raise awareness of tiger endangerment and to raise funds for international conversation efforts to save tigers. It was the nation’s first tiger mascot conservation program.
To raise awareness for tigers, Mizzou Tigers for Tigers will hold several events throughout October. The “Beauty of the Beast: Tigers Facing Extinction” art exhibit by Fancesco Owens will be on display throughout the month in Ellis Library, Jesse Hall and Reynolds Alumni Center. See attached schedule for a list of more events.
Schedule of Events for Tiger Awareness Month
- 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 — Francesca Owens will discuss tiger conservation at a reception at the Bookmark Café in Ellis Library.
- 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 — Richard Ellis from the American Museum of Natural History presents “Threats from Illegal Trade: Tiger, Tiger Burning Out?” in Lefevre Hall, Room 106.
- 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 — Win prizes at the Tiger for Tigers booth at Delta Sigma Phi house during homecoming house decorations.
- Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 29 & 30 — Eat at Noodles and Company, 406 S. 9th Street, and 25 percent of sales will go to Mizzou Tigers for Tigers.
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