Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright

In light of the impending extinction of the tiger, this is profoundly upsetting.

The New York Times reports:

A zoo where 11 rare Siberian tigers recently starved to death is fast becoming a symbol of the mistreatment of animals in China, with allegations of misspent subsidies, bribes, and the deaths of at least dozens of animals.

The local authorities stepped in over the weekend, taking control of the 10-year-old zoo, in Shenyang in northeastern China, and dispatching experts to try to save the remaining 20 or so tigers, three of which are in critical condition.

Among the charges under investigation are employee reports that the zoo used the bones of dead tigers to illegally manufacture a liquor believed to have therapeutic qualities. One employee said he had made vats of the liquor and served it to visiting government officials.

A know of few concrete, helpful things that can be done this late in the game.

I recommend (again) a contribution to Panthera.  Or to another organization that rescues and saves tigers and other big cats.

Beyond that, I have nothing I can suggest.  I am filled with sadness and despair.  And shame.