By: Elin Barton

Childs Play

If you see the crew from the Wildlife Waystation out in the community as part of its Outreach program, chances are that Drifter the Tiger is there too. Rescued nearly seven years ago in a drug raid, Drifter has evolved into one of the most stable, consistent, and well-mannered animals that the Waystation has, and by all accounts, he is one of their biggest hams as well.

Difter is one of the lucky ones

Like many wild animals that humans attempt to domesticate, Drifter had been declawed before being rescued by director Martine Colette and her crew. This devastating procedure involves cutting tendons in the animal’s foot and eventually leads to the foot breaking down. In extreme cases, the animal may be unable to walk, or may walk with a lot of pain after being declawed. When the Waystation receives animals that have undergone the procedure, the staff veterinarian attempts to reattach the tendons. This operation has a higher rate of success on younger animals, and in Drifter’s case, he was brought into the Waystation at four months of age, so the results from the reconstructive surgery were quite good.

Drifter is one of the lucky ones. He will live out the rest of his days at the Waystation, and will continue to get out and help educate people about his species whenever it’s possible.