Manassas Tiger



Date of Birth


Date of Death:
2/23/2007

History
In February, 2007, CPT lost our last remaining Virginia Girl, Manassas Tiger, to liver failure. Manassas was especially known for her sweet nature. She would often call for company from her enclosure at the back of the compound.

Manassas was part of a trio of rescued tigers dubbed the Virginia Girls. The three tigers were found in a cramped, manure-filled cattle trailer in Rockingham, VA in August, 1996. Wildlife officials in Virginia secured a home for them at CPT. They were named Antietam, Manassas, and Shiloh after Civil War battles, reflecting their own troubled start (Shiloh was later renamed Micro). After Antietam died of cancer in July, 2003, Micro and Manassas kept the faith of their story; shy representatives waiting to greet those who ventured into the deepest part of the compound.


Manassas and Micro in their Golden Years

Four men were originally indicted in Virginia for their treatment of the tigers. Charges included illegal possession and unlawfully conspiring to sell an endangered species. All four men plead guilty and were fined and sentenced to six months in jail per count. Under the plea agreements, the jail time was suspended. Fines ranged from $600-$1000, and the men were required to complete a year of unsupervised probation.

Manassas was treasured as the last representative of the Virginia Girls' legacy, and as such, held a special place in our hearts. CPT will continue to share her story, in the hopes that one day there will be more respect and appreciation for such a regal species.

Additional references available at www.newsbank.com :
8/7/1996 - "From Tigers to Phone Sex",Daily News-Record (Harrisonburg, VA)
1/10/1996 - "Hope Burns Bright for 3 Tigers",Chapel Hill Herald (NC)
8/14/1995 - "Officials Sieze Illegal Tigers in Rockingham",Daily News-Record (Harrisonburg, VA)



Tribute by Amanda Byrne.