Drifter was just a few months old when law enforcement authorities happened across him at a drug raid in Chicago in 1997, where he was owned illegally by private individuals. Authorities confiscated him from the crime scene, and checked him into the Wildlife Waystation for permanent sanctuary.

As a beautiful and docile member of the tiger species, Drifter seems, at times, to have no idea of his strength or lofty position in the animal kingdom. While his exact origin is unknown, his enormous size and light-colored markings seem to indicate he is part of the Siberian tiger subspecies. Unlike most captive tigers, Drifter is able to enjoy being taken on walks with this trained handlers. He also savors great amounts of human attention and affection.

Drifter the Tiger

Drifter’s personable character makes him a star at public events in which the Waystation participates to help educate people about tigers and the importance of protecting their natural habitat. He is particularly well known for lounging in private swimming pools and jacuzzis whenever given the opportunity.

The tiger, or Panthera tigris, is the largest of the big cats. Its range extends from Siberia to as far south as India and Indonesia. The tiger has a massive, muscular body and powerful limbs and is one of the few feline species that enjoys swimming.

The tigers’ coloration varies from reddish-orange to reddish-ochre. Drifter’s Siberian subspecies tends to be pale in color and large in size, with adult males weighing as much as 700 pounds.

Generally shy and nocturnal, the tiger is usually a solitary animal, although it is known to be sociable on occasion with its neighbors and relatives. While mating, the male and female remain together only for a few days. After a gestation period of 103 to 105 days, the female gives birth to a litter of usually 2 or 3 cubs. The cubs can stay with their mother for up to five years. The tiger’s typical prey consists of wild pigs, deer, gauer and buffalo.

Within the last century, human activity, including habitat destruction, an Asian market for tiger parts and the illegal animal trade, have pushed all tiger subspecies to extinction. The Bali, Java and Caspian tigers already are extinct. Today, some wildlife organizations have embarked on international educational campaigns to save the tiger in what remains of its natural habitat.