Tributes to Tatiana the Tiger

I have cried bitter tears these days, for Tatiana, the young tiger cut down in her prime. -- Susan Crawford, My Wild Heart

I think many people love animals more than people. I mean, think about it -- they don't talk back, they're usually a blank canvas that gazes up at you, are really good listeners, don't care if you gain weight or lose your hair, and can only leave the house when you want them to. Those are the domesticated animals, but it sometimes translates to the wild animals, too. Like Tatiana.

Maybe we see something in her that helps people tap into their wild nature, perhaps she reminds us of our tabby. Maybe she reminds us of us, only with more humanity.

Look at the number of memorials she has on the Web, including this one at Yelp.

RIP Tatiana. I'm sorry you got killed for following your natural instincts, and I'm sorry you were locked in that depressing, stark zoo. I hope you're in tiger heaven now, but really - this planet is going to hell...you're probably better off. -- Lisa

Tatiana was like Rocky... people were always hating. And being a fighter at heart she took what was hers. -- Lee M.

There are like 6 billion people on the planet versus about 5000 tigers. Unlike humans, tigers don't really kill things for no reason. -- Phillip W.

If you need to see more, and I'm sure you all do, check out the Official Memorium for Tatiana MySpace page. I like it a lot, especially the music from "The Lion King." A taste:

I'm glad you mauled the fucking jerks that pissed you off. You're adorable and I'd let you maul me if you let me kiss your nose first. =)

This just makes my heart ache. She is just so beautiful and deserved a much better life. RIP. Peace.

For some reason, a Stephen Sondheim Web site has a memorial for Tatiana by the eloquent Mr. Wolf:

Again, who speaks for Tatiana? Who will defend her side in a court of law? Who will show the judge, the jury, and the media what tigers are really like; the innocence of their joys in life and the ever-present danger they pose to us bipeds? Who will stand up for Tatiana and call what was done to her by its proper name. abuse? . . . Who will speak for Tatiana's warm place in the sun, and bring down the hammer on the bastards who stole it from her?

Rest in peace, Tatiana.