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History:

Makeen was confiscated in Gonzales County Texas under the Dangerous Wild Animal Law. He was tranfserred to HSPCA and then released to IEAS in 2006. For the first ten years of his life, he had lived in a 9x4 foot cage tucked away in a barn on a remote property in Gonzales County. He had no view of the outdoors meaning he had never seen the sky or even stepped foot on grass before. Authorities confiscated Makeen as soon as they were tipped off to his deplorable condition. IEAS was happy to give him a second chance at a better life.

When Makeen arrived at IEAS, he was in complete shock and distrusted humans. He didn't leave his transport cage for hours. When Makeen came out that evening, it was the first time in his life that his paws touched grass; he had never walked on grass, sat or splashed in a pool, or even seen the sky! During his first few nights out, Christi, Asst. Behaviorist, would go out to visit him. She was not sure exactly how he would react since his first experience with humans was very negative and full of distrust. Makeen watched as she went to sit down. After a few minutes, he walked over and greeted her with a chuff and laid down next to the fence. This was a very good sign on just his second night at IEAS. Christi continues to visit Makeen, only now he is comfortable in his new habitat and spends most of the time on one of his perches. On a tour, you may even see Makeen sleeping in his pool with his head rested between his front paws.

Personality:

Makeen can be a very affectionate tiger with those he trusts. However, he is very sensitive and it won't take much to upset him or make him nervous.