A few years ago, we received a telephone call from a United States Department of Agriculture inspector, who is also a most respected veterinarian.

He told us all about a tiger who desperately needed a home, the only alternative being to "put him to sleep". The USDA inspector was very honest when he said this tiger had a bit of an attitude. The fact is, Robbie was almost starved to death. His tall, very thin frame had survived on hot dogs - the only food his former keeper had offered to him.

When Robbie arrived at EARS, he was huddled in the corner of a horse trailer - terrified, growling, thin, and a pitiful excuse of what humans had forced on a magnificent animal, all in the name of exhibition. Out hearts ached at the sight of Robbie.

It was reported to us that Robbie had killed several other big cats with which he had shared a common cage wall. Because of his hunger and desperation, he managed to pull them "bit by bit" through the wire, to satisfy his starvation.

The first few weeks were a test of endurance for the volunteer staff. Gail was the primary care giver during those weeks, as her expertise was needed to observe all measures of safety. Robbie understandably hated all humanity, and Gail, Jaye, and the entire staff had almost given up hope that Robbie would ever trust a human. Then, one day, after 3 months at EARS, Jaye (during her early evening tiger visits) heard Robbie give a short chuff. Jaye was ecstatic that Robbie was finally losing his extreme aggressiveness toward humans.

Now, Robbie is part of the family. He is the oldest tiger at EARS, and he knows that his spacious enclosure will be cleaned and disinfected each and every day, and he will receive a more than adequate amount of healthy food and water. Robbie has a clear view of the other tigers with which he communicates. At last he has found a real home!