As founder of The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.), exotic animal trainer Dr. Bhagavan Antle has a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with a number of Bengal tigers on a daily basis. As a result of this direct contact, he has developed an extensive portrait series of the incredibly powerful animals extremely up-close.
Based in South Carolina, the cleverly named foundation promotes education and conservation about wildlife throughout the world. They focus mainly on the white tiger, which is on the brink of extinction. Antle's work highlights the many subtle similarities and differences of the unique animals. His images provide viewers with an extraordinary chance to stare directly into the face of each Bengal tiger and to witness the dominating presence of the gorgeous creatures.
Antle is able to capture both the natural power that emanates from each face as well as the vulnerability that the Bengal tiger faces in the path towards extinction. He elaborates on his project, stating that “a stunningly beautiful animal like a tiger captures people's attention so they become more willing to learn about critical conservation issues. Tigers are an important living example of the environmental problems facing the world, which makes them the perfect wildlife ambassadors.”
Dr. Bhagavan Antle's website
T.I.G.E.R.S. website
via [V Magazine]
