Giving Voice to the Voiceless: Animal Activists of the Year | Animals | Change.org

Giving Voice to the Voiceless: Animal Activists of the Year Animals Change.org

Free Tony the Tiger: Tony lives a miserable life as the sideshow attraction at Tiger Truck Stop in Louisiana. Somehow, the truck stop owner keeps getting exemption after exemption to keep Tony locked up. This year, advocates from around the country banded together to help Tony — many of them hadn't previously been activists, but they just couldn't stand to see a tiger live this way.

Through sheer determination to get his story out there, Tony's plight became known around the country. Free Tony the Tiger now has over 13,000 fans on Facebook. Even more have spoken up for him, signing petitions on his behalf. The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a legal petition with the state. The activists have teamed up with Big Cat Rescue, lining up a new home for the day when Tony is freed.

Sadly, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries once again granted a permit to the truck stop earlier this month. But Tony's advocates aren't done roaring for him, and the campaign will continue until Tony the Tiger gets out of his box.