Ava, Bengal Tiger

Who is Ava?

Ava is a Bengal tiger born on March 19, 2019. She lives at Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary in Tyler, Texas, where she arrived together with her sisters, Rosie and Elouise. She is one of the most energetic tigers at the sanctuary, and one of the residents guests meet on a Conservation Tour.

How Ava came to Tiger Creek

Ava and her sisters began life as what the industry called "surplus cubs." As young cubs, they were used for photo opportunities at tourist attractions. Cubs can only be handled for a short time, and once the sisters grew too large for cub petting, they needed a new home.

The three sisters came to Tiger Creek from another facility in the summer of 2019, when they were about four months old. Tiger Creek gave all three a permanent home. Today each sister has her own house.

Why Ava's story matters

Ava's early life was common for tiger cubs in the United States before the law changed. The Big Cat Public Safety Act took effect on December 20, 2022. Since that date, facilities may not allow direct contact between the public and any big cat, which means cub petting and cub photo sessions are no longer lawful anywhere in the country. The same law prohibits private individuals from possessing or breeding big cats.

For Ava, Rosie, and Elouise, that change came after they had already found a home. Their story is a reminder of why the law was needed. Our article Can You Own a Tiger in Texas? explains what the federal and Texas rules cover.

Ava's life today

Ava receives daily care from the animal care team. Like every big cat at Tiger Creek, she is an obligate carnivore, an animal that relies almost entirely on meat to meet its nutritional needs. Her diet is a commercial meat diet made specifically for big cats, and a nutritionist and a veterinarian review all diets before anything is added or changed. Her favorite food is chicken. More on that diet is in Why Big Cats Can't Go Vegan.

Enrichment is a favorite part of her routine. Enrichment means activities and changes to an animal's surroundings that provide mental and physical stimulation, and that encourage behaviors the animal would show in the wild, such as foraging and problem-solving. Ava's favorites are new toys, bamboo, and boxes. Naomi, an Animal Care Specialist, says she loves "anything to do with boxes." She also enjoys splashing in her pool and rolling in new scents. Our post Enhancing Lives: All About Enrichment shows how the team plans it.

Personality

"Ava is one of our most energetic tigers, usually enthusiastically interacting with her enrichment," says Naomi. "Ava keeps her caretakers on their toes, often surprising them with her playful attitude."

Riley, also an Animal Care Specialist, puts it this way: "On the outside, Ava is a majestic tiger but inside she's a goofy cat. Her quirky personality always keeps us entertained!"

Ava is curious, too. She loves to watch her keepers at work, especially if food is involved. Big cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day, so guests on the 11:00 a.m. Conservation Tour, when the animals have usually just received their enrichment, have the best chance of seeing that curiosity in action.

How to help Ava

Ava will live at Tiger Creek for the rest of her life. Supporters can sponsor a tiger for $200 a month or $2,400 a year. To set up a sponsorship, call the Tiger Creek office at 903-858-1008 or email visitorservices@tigercreek.org.

A one-time gift in her honor also helps provide food, veterinary care, and enrichment for her and for every resident.

Guests can see Ava on a guided Conservation Tour, offered from March 1 through October 31.

Questions about Ava

What kind of tiger is Ava?
Ava is a Bengal tiger, born on March 19, 2019.

Can visitors pet or feed Ava?
No. There is no public contact with big cats at Tiger Creek or at any facility in the United States, following the Big Cat Public Safety Act.

Does Ava have family at Tiger Creek?
Yes. Ava arrived with her sisters, Rosie and Elouise, in the summer of 2019. All three live at the sanctuary, each in her own house.

How can I tell Ava apart from her sisters?
Look above her eyes. Just like a human fingerprint, the black and white fur pattern above a tiger's eyes, its "eyebrow," is unique to each tiger.

How can I support Ava?
By sponsoring a tiger ($200 a month or $2,400 a year, through the Tiger Creek office), with a donation in her honor, or by visiting on a Conservation Tour between March 1 and October 31.