Comments on: Every year is Year of the Tiger at South Africa’s Tiger Canyons

By: Sagittarius

Sagittarius — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:52:17 +0000

The story of Julie and her cubs is thrilling.

I watched John’s documentary about Ron and Julie last year and was absolutely blown away by the gentleness of this big female tiger, and her willingness to hunt with a human. I agree with John’s assessment that Julie’s disposition may be unique among tigers. If so we’re all incredibly privileged to see and hear her story.

She’s a beauty. Her babies are precious. Their species must not be allowed to perish from the earth.

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:15:25 +0000

I WAS SO HOPING HE WOULD HELP RUNTY. I WANTED HIM TO SURVIVE SO
MUCH.

By: Debdeep

Debdeep — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:55:42 +0000

This is how nature chooses the best one to survive. They call it “survival of the fittest”. It is very cruel yet very effective and important. No place for mercy. For the betterment of the species itself, it is needed. I am sure even JV must felt sad about that. I am sure he too was in dilemma over this.

But hats off to you JV. I am from India and from the Bengal region where in Asia this big majestic cat known as Bengal Tiger. I only wish some day someone among us also will think like you and do something similar. Great Job!

By: jax

jax — Sun, 15 May 2011 03:03:14 +0000

How could he not save the cub named Runty??? Unbelievable. At least take her and raise her for a while then return her to pride. SUCH A LITTLE THING and U JUST LEFT her TO DIE…

By: Wanda Hennig

Wanda Hennig — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:36:31 +0000

Did all five tigers survive? The cub that John Varty named Runty did not. Read the maverick conservationist’s Tiger Canyons blog here on Runti’s first "kill"; the hope that she will survive; the grief of her death; and how Julie’s burial of her cub: www.jvbigcats.co.za/newsletters31.htm

By: Graham

Graham — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:10:56 +0000

Varty is doing very much what the Natal Parks Board did in the 1960s and 1970s when they captured and translocated the almost extinct white rhino from its last redoubt in Zululand, putting breeding groups into game reserves across southern Africa and zoos in Europe and America. When humanity recovers from the madness that pushed the rhino and the tiger to the edge of extinction, they will be able to resume their natural range in Africa and Asia. There have indeed been tigers in Africa all along. The old Afrikaners used the word “tier” (tiger) for a leopard.

By: Dana M.

Dana M. — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:17:24 +0000

Amazing story. Who would think of tigers in Africa? Thanks for the great read. Inspiring guy, that Balfour.