Emerson Tiger



Date of Birth
8/1/2003

History
Emerson tiger was rescued along with 3 other tigers (Fenimore, Mona, and Moki) from the Wesa-a-Geh-Ya facility in Warrenton, MO in September 2008.

Wesa-a-Geh-Ya closed following an attack on a volunteer by a tiger named Hercules. Hercules was shot and killed by his owner to stop the attack, and his body was initially hidden from local authorities. The law enforcement officer that responded was told the volunteer was injured by a pit bull, but the owner of Wesa later corrected this statement. Wesa-a-Geh-Ya had surrendered its USDA license in 2003 (a USDA license allows a facility to exhibit animals to the public), and had been under pressure from PETA. At the time Wesa announced its plans to close, there were approximately 22 tigers, 8 lions, a cougar, and several other exotic animals on a small portion of the 17 acre property. The other animals were placed at different sanctuaries and animal parks in Oklahoma, Colorado, and North Carolina.

Even after its closure, Wesa-a-Geh-Ya continued to be investigated by the Warrenton sherriff's department and the USDA based on accusations that they had bred and sold exotic animals and pelts for profit. Warren County did establish an ordinance banning the ownership of exotic animals.

When CPT agreed to rescue four of the tigers, Wesa listed the two males as being 3 years old; however, when researching the tiger's history with other sources, CPT was given pictures showing that Emerson and Fenimore (then "Labyrinth" and "Nietzsche" respectively) were born in the fall of 2003. This source stated that both cubs were originally purchased from an illegal breeder.

Emerson was distrustful when he arrived at CPT, although he quickly adjusted to friendly faces. He is not large for a tiger, and both he and Fenimore show structural problems, particularly in the front shoulders, that are most likely the result of inbreeding. He is easily recognized by his pronounced snaggle-tooth, and his lack of trust inspires CPT staff and volunteers to take those extra steps to make him feel comfortable and safe.

Emerson and Fenimore now reside in a habitat near the back of the compound. They are not included in CPT's regular tours, to give them the chance to get used to their new home.


Contributed by Amanda Byrne.
photo/s courtesy of Shanna Oberreiter, ©CPT'