Tiger Awareness Month begins

By Jewels Phraner

Published Oct. 2, 2007

MU might be sporting a bit more Tiger spirit this month as Mizzou Tigers for Tigers kick off Tiger Awareness Month.

The group is a student organization devoted to raising awareness about tigers as an endangered species.

"Our organization raises awareness about the plight of tigers and raises funds for international conservation efforts to save wild tigers," a Tigers for Tigers news release stated.

One way it tries to do this is through its annual Tiger Awareness Month.

Throughout the month of October, artist Francesca Owens's tiger-themed artwork, collectively entitled "Beauty of the Beast: Tigers Facing Extinction," will be displayed in Jesse Auditorium, Ellis Library and the Reynolds Alumni Center, according to the Tigers for Tigers Web site.

Owens will then lecture on tiger conservation at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Bookmark Café in Ellis Library.

Tigers for Tigers will play host to another lecture, "Threats from Illegal Trade: Tiger Tiger Burning Out?" at 4 p.m. on Oct. 11, by Richard Ellis from the American Museum of Natural History. The lecture will be held in room 106 of Lefevre Hall.

According to the group's news release, illegal poaching is one of the reasons for the 97 percent decline of Tigers over the last 100 years.

The group will end the event with two fundraisers. One will take place during homecoming weekend on Oct. 19.

The group will set up a booth in front of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house during house decorations, where students can donate money and will have the chance to win prizes.

Concluding the month is the group's second fundraiser. On Oct. 29 and 30, Tigers for Tigers will collect 25 percent of any revenue generated at Noodles & Company, located at 406 S. Ninth St.