Tigers are often viewed as symbols of power, ferocity, and courage in the wild. However, for Janice Haley, a 57-year-old from Orlando, Florida, these majestic creatures are much more than that. To her, they’re like affectionate, oversized kittens.
Watching her interact with her two Bengal tigers—Janda, weighing 400 pounds, and Saber, a 600-pound white Bengal tiger—reveals a side of these animals reminiscent of domestic cats than wild predators.
Haley describes her connection with the tigers: “They see me as a mother figure.” She adds, “These affectionate animals cuddle up to me and even allow me to kiss their noses.” Every day, three times a day, she feeds her tigers by hand within the enclosure in her backyard.
Haley’s journey with exotic cats began in 1995 when she left her office job with her husband’s encouragement.
Since then, she has cared for various large cats and enlisted numerous volunteers to help with their care and playtime.
While Haley acknowledges that keeping wild animals in captivity is controversial, she believes it’s a necessary compromise. “Critics have a point—cages are far from the natural habitat for these animals,” she admits.
“But given the dire conditions in the wild, their chances of survival are slim. Without captivity, they might face extinction. Here, they are loved and well cared for. From my point of view, having a tiger in my backyard is perfectly acceptable.”
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