Raj the Bengal tiger.  His full name is something like “Rajendran”.  A completely regal animal.  On a recent visit to the Carolina Tiger Rescue, I got within 3 feet of this magnificent beast.  He is orange and black, but the black and white image of him is more striking.  There was nothing but a chain link fence and a few week of air between me and these jaws, which could kill you in one bite.  He seemed like a friendly sort, but the guide (upon my asking) said that NO ONE there is allowed to touch the tigers, to pat them or anything else, except for vet care.

It turns out to be a challenge to take pictures of tigers.  The ones that are willing to get close still keep moving constantly.  And a bigger concern is that they will pee on you, and they have a range of 15 feet with the spray, which I’m told smells like movie popcorn.  He did turn around and spray once while I was standing there but I sprinted out of harm’s way in the nick of time.  But every time he turned away the entire tour group would form a tight scrum and dash away, just in case of a sudden wash of popcorn-scented urine.

Image was edited in PaintFX for B&W, contrast and blurring of the background.  With the chain link in the foreground, there was no other way to emphasize the face.

– the Daily Grunge