Tigers For Tomorrow
You often start off a tour with the best intentions. Stay fit, eat healthy, take time to stop at some parks and museums, see a little bit of the country. Usually the best laid plans fall by the wayside within the first week. So I dug my heels in today and took the bus 75 miles out of our route, so we could visit Tigers For Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain, a privately owned sanctuary for big cats, in Attala, Alabama. After leaving New Orleans at 2am, and crashing out around 4am (rather inebriated!) we arrived at TFT around 9am it was all I could do to get the band and crew out of their bunks. But very much to their credit they hauled themselves outside and up the short hill to the sanctuary. And in spite of our hangovers we all had a fantastic time, and made some great memories in the process.
TFT had contacted me a few months ago by posting an email to the address on this website. Amy Ausbun, a volunteer from Birmingham, AL, was contacting celebrities to see if she could increase awareness for the sanctuary and maybe raise some money by auctioning signed articles. She has had a good response from Deepak Chopra. I mentioned that our tour was coming through Birmingham today and the owners Sue and Wilbur were gracious enough to open up for us and give us a guided tour of their facility.
The sanctuary has 18 Siberian and Bengal tigers, along with white wolves, numerous lions, cougars, black leopards, a lama, camel, zebra, and even a Kodiak bear! Sue and Wilbur have only one fulltime staff member, their keeper, plus several interns. They usually only open up at weekends for school and private groups. Many of these animals have been rescued from misguided family homes; traveling shows; and even from ‘Canned hunts’ where a big cat is released on a private land so that a bunch of hunters can get their kicks shooting it then being photographed with their ‘kill.’
The animals will be at the sanctuary for life. TFT does not do any training or breeding. It purely provides a great home for the big cats and makes sure their diets and psychology are properly cared for. Watching Sue and Wilbur interact with them is amazing. Sue ‘chuffs’ at the tigers–a short panting sound that they make right back to her in an affectionate conversation. Wilbur demonstrated for us an aspect of tiger instinct: standing next to the fence, behind which a tiger was laying down looking very calm, Wilbur turned his back and stooped down submissively. The tiger’s eyes instantly grew the size of saucers, and it sprang up, across the enclosure, and in a flash attacked the fence behind Wilbur’s back. This is the tiger’s natural reaction to a show of submission. Some of them grow to 500lbs and there was no question who would have come out on top in a jungle situation. So, if you’re ever suddenly face to face with a tiger, look him square in the eye!
Here are some pics Lunesse took. BT and I are going to figure out what we can do to help TFT and support the great work they are doing!
[UPDATE: we decided to donate 10% of our merch sales last night for starters.]
Wonderful!
Thank you for posting this! I love what they are doing…keeping and caring for these animals for their entire lifetime.
***Click on the link
They take donations via paypal 
***
What a great cause. One of my coworkers visited a similar type sanctuary in Arkansas a few weeks back. This site actually has cottages for visitors and he said the sound of the lions at night made him feel he was on safari in Africa. You can’t really interact with the animals, but he said seeing them outside of zoo captivity was an eye opening experience. His kids had an absolute blast being so close to lions, tigers, and bears…oh my (couldn’t resist). Thanks for sharing and I’ll make sure to pass the site on to my friends.
so glad you were all able (and willing;) to take time out to discover this unique place… thanks for sharing ~ good news is quite refreshing these days, esp. regarding people with genuine compassion for a worthy cause. i’ll be sure to add their link to my site as well, in hopes of generating more awareness and aid.
here in southeast florida, there’s another sanctuary for all kinds of native wildlife — should you ever be in the area, be sure to check it out: http://www.buschwildlife.com/
all the best…
That’s truly terrific that you stopped there and I always applaud those that make an effort to help these animals. Back when I lived in Texas, I was working to help out a bird sanctuary that had a similar sort of set up. It’s always amazing to see the beauty of these animals and even more so in their natural state.
Oh dear.
Thomas, while your gorgeous talent as a musician and businessman hasn’t been compromised by this blog, you’ve lost at least one reader. Why must celebrities be so predictable? I’m certain most of your readers will gobble up everything you say (big-cat conservation and all). But I was one of the few who were here for details regarding your music; not a promotional spot for wildlife activism.
Tigers are great, and I’m not advocating a cold shoulder towards worthy causes. But frankly–and with due love–some of us who’ve supported your musical endeavors (financially and otherwise) through the years aren’t interested in your social/political concerns. I’ll exit now, and let your other fans tear me apart.
I’ll always love your work in the studio and on stage, Thomas.
Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! It’s always reassuring to hear about people who are dedicating their lives to helping and sustaining the world rather than simply using or abusing it. That kind of stewardship is all too rare, unfortunately, and way too easy to ignore in our day-to-day lives.
As for timmer20′s comments, all I will say is that celebrities have the unique level of exposure that allows them to raise awareness of issues in our world that might otherwise go unnoticed. This is not a publicity stunt, just a blog entry about something that TMDR experienced and wanted to share. Period.
Hey Mr. D I just wanted to say that this was a great story. I have ever been a huge fan of the zoo, with my only complaint being that the animals are kept in too small and stifling a space. This is the kind of thing we need. No reason to bring animals to the city, just make a trek out to the country to see them run in a more natural setting I say! There is a place here in Oklahoma called Arbuckle Wilderness, and they have all sorts of Giraffes just walking around free. They even come up to your car and you can feed them right from your window! I personally like it when you tell stories like this because you’re an interesting person, so don’t let any negative feedback disuade you!
Thomas is very kind to try to find things for us to do on tour. When you work every day, (and right now, that is the case, twelve shows in a row) it is really necessary to blow of steam and do something else. With such a tight schedule, our visit to the sanctuary yesterday might be our only chance to do something that lets us experience an area we are visiting on the road, and having time off to do something other than laundry and flat-out resting.
We were very lucky to get to do something special like this, even more so on a show day when we had to be at the venue at a certain time to get ready for the performance.
Our motivation wasn’t political, it was wanting to do something on the road that was special and, as he said himself, we all made some amazing memories that will last us a lifetime. Thomas might have been contacted because of who he is, but the day itself wasn’t all of us gearing up for a publicity stunt or thinking how we can take their message to the people.
As with any blog, it is easy to project one’s own thoughts onto what the author is writing, instead of just taking the words at face value, in this case, a recounting of our morning.
We had a KICKASS adventure thanks to Thomas that all of us appreciated.
Amen Lunesse. I was shocked to read Thomas took the tour 75 miles off course before I even finished reading the sentence and learned why. Touring is tough, especially considering what you all had been going through for twelve straight days and the night before.
Sure, it involved promotion. Tigers for Tomorrow probably got more promotion of it than the tour or anyone on it. Wasn’t that the point?
Thomas understands the costs and benefits, pros and cons, etc., of detouring the tour for several hours. I’m happy to know that your boss has the experience and heart to know it would be worth it.
THANK YOU THOMAS! We had a wonderful time showing you and the crew the preserve and sharing the Tigers for Tomorrow story. We really appreciate you and the efforts you are making to help.
You know, no matter how many animals they rescue, they always hear about more out there; more that need help and that require a lifetime committment. It is heartbreaking to have to turn any animal away, so support from people like you really makes their mission more achievable.
The park is currently open to the public on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please check out our website at http://www.tigersfortomorrow.org for information.
Thanks,
Amy
TMDR and Lunesse: That is so great that you were able to see that habitat. I wanted to enclose the link of the other refuge in case the team ever gets to Arkansas for a show. I’m amazed that there are multiple refuges like this in the US. http://www.turpentinecreek.org/.
As for Timmer’s comments, I would have never known about that other sanctuary if TMDR hadn’t shared in his blog. I love the fact that TMDR shares his personal experiences with us because it allows all of his fans the ability to get to know him outside of his music. There is more to the man than just his music. I would pose the following question to Timmer: If one of your friends came to you and wanted to talk to you about a cause such as the sanctuary, would you chastise that friend for putting their views out there? I would hope not.
Thanks for sharing with your fans – your behind the scenes adventures! I for one, enjoyed your post very much! In fact, I found it so interesting – i forwarded the link to his post to several associates and friends – So while you may have lost Timmer as a reader – I’m sure you gained lots more !!! MOST OF ALL – To anyone reading this – If you have an opportunity to see TD AND BT on this TOUR – You Should Get Tickets NOW! The show in Birmingham was WOW and that’s an understatement. I was a fan before but now Im A HUGE FAN!
Maybe Tigers ate Timmers family….
I think the spirit of a blog is such that the blogger shares a little more about themselves and day-to-day happenings, rather than just be a cardboard cut-out to fans, only known for their songs and crisp packaging. I mean, where else do you read about trying to find Chinese food with a GPS that doesn’t work so well? To be truly creative, one cannot be 100% immersed in their medium of choice. Extra-curricular activities refresh and inspire, and I appreciate Thomas sharing that part with us.
If you want to talk *only* music, the forums are the perfect place for that. Blogs by nature are not.
Was his post politically charged or offensive?–I would argue against that–there are so many other topics that could really light peoples’ fires. And to be fair, Thomas doesn’t raise these kind of topics often.
Thanks for sharing.
(Did you know that Timmer rhymes with Tigger?)
Bloggers blog about whatever the heck they want. I get, if I’m lucky, about 100 hits a day on my blog, and even I still sometimes use it to share knowledge of charitable things I’m excited about/interested in.
It ain’t all about the music, Timmers. People have lives and interests of all sorts.
AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!
I live in Birmingham, AL and have been occasionally reading your blog, following your tour dates and thinking “Nope, he’ll never come here for a show”.
Tonight, I sat down at a local restaurant, thumbing through a local rag, when I came across an article entitled “The Dissident” (http://www.bwcitypaper.com/1pubicindex.lasso?-token.editorialreferral=180616.112112 for anyone who is interested). Lo and behold, you ARE coming to Birmingham Tuesday, December 12th!
Wait, what’s todays date? WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH?!? NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
I really hate I missed your show. It would have absolutely been the perfect Christmas gift for me.
Maybe I’ll catch you next time. In the meantime, I’m going to console myself with a purchase of your “now available” DVD and CD.
Predictable? Hmmm…
1) I thought that some of the proceeds from “Mulu the Rainforest” and TMDR’s own label “Venice in Peril” went to charitable organizations long before philanthropic endeavors by celebrities were popular (much less predictable).
2) I spent my time on tour with the Allman Bros. Band, WWE, and different B’way shows. I’ve seen some of the most incredible things this country has to offer — things I wouldn’t have known existed had I stayed at the damn venues (including meeting my future husband while trying to find a mechanical bull in ND).
3) I worked for a multimillion dollar non-profit organization in Los Angeles before going on the road. With all of the donations and endorsements made by celebrities, how many do you think actually graced our office with their presence?
Kudos, Mr. Dolby. You really are the person that I thought (and hoped) you were. I’ll see ya in Atlanta!!!
I just reviewed your tour listing and found that you’re going to be in Atlanta tomorrow night. I’m buying a ticket and doing the 2 hour drive to see the show! Woohoo! See you and all the ATL fans there.
Thanks for taking the time out of your hectic tour schedule to learn a little bit about “our neck of the woods” and for using both your website and your performance last night to bring attention to such a worthwhile endeavor. As I was at the Birmingham/Workplay show, I can attest that both Thomas and BT were at the top of their game and put on a fantastic show (especially “Airhead” for Thomas and the “Mad World” encore for BT.) And I’m glad to know 10% of the CDs I bought on the way out went to support such a worthy cause.
It’s very admirable for TFT to shelter these animals in their sanctuary. It would be cool if everyone pitched in a few dollars not only to their preserve, but to their local animal rescue shelters. They are in much need of funding, too! A little bit from everyone goes a long way.
Greetings from New Orleans! You’re one of the most casual and down-to-earth performers I’ve gone to see in a very long time. That made the performance all the better. If ever you’re next in town, there will be a steak from Port of Call waiting for you (if you eat cow).
Taking the time—especially when you’re hung-over—to visit wildlife is a rarity these days. I’m glad to have read that you & BT are donating 10% of your merchandise sales for the previous night. Keep it up! It would be a shame to see places like these vanish, along with the wild animals they help protect.
p.s., If you’re a vegetarian, you’re out of luck.
Oh, giographix, I’m sure Thomas will be just *devastated* by your
Nice way to rescind an offer, there, bucko.
snubbing if he doesn’t want a hunk of dead, hormone-and-antibiotic-
raddled flesh.
Sorry, everybody–rudeness brings out the worst in me. I have
no issue with people who eat meat, or much of anyone at all,
really.
What I *ought* to have said was, “Good on ya, Thomas,
for getting your fellow hungover road-companions out of bed to
go 75 miles to respect the close-to-natural behavior of formerly
wild animals whose instincts still work just *fine*, thank you.
Eep! And, er, if I should ever find myself face-to-face with a tiger
in the jungle, I shall not enter into a staring contest with the
magnificent creature, I will simply kiss my a** goodbye.
Thank you for caring, though, Thomas, Lunesse, Amy, Sue,
Wilbur et al. Your hearts are in the right place.
Peace and my fingers typing faster than my brain can veto,
Kara
Oops again, got circumstances reversed: travelled the 75 miles,
*then* rousted them out of bed, Thomas. Still an excellent thing
to do.
I’ll play devil’s advocate and NOT bag on timmer20 for voicing his/her opinion. I’m sure Thomas is strong enough to withstand such criticism. I’m, however, perplexed at why there’s any outcry over visiting a wild animal sanctuary, yet none for TMDR’s repeated visits to that comically socialist leftfest, the TED Conference.
I kid!! (sorta.)
Anyway, if you’re interested in more of the same, come visit Acton, CA’s Shambala the next time you’re in southern California. It’s a similar preserve, begun by film actress Tippi Hedren in the 1970′s. At the time, it was home to cast-off film industry tigers, but now I think they provide homes for ex-zoo creatures, misguided ex-collector cats, etc.
When I read Thomas’s post.. I was reminded of another link between tech and animal rescue…. Steuart Dewar who wrote one of the most fantastic enhancements to the Palm Pilot Datebook+ and donate most of the procedes to this sanctuary for apes….
http://www.gorilla-haven.org/
Both this and TFT are worthy causes. They only seek to help those animals in bad situations and supporting them is not a political statement but rather just a charitable one.
argghhh wanted to edit that post…
a comma after Palm Pilot…
and..
donate should be donates
procedes should be proceeds
sorry about that.. a bit of late night imbibing.. ;
I think the concept is great. For instance, whenever I have tigers, I always put a few into my pocket, you know, “for later.”
Hello Thomas;
Kudos to you and B.T for giving your time, awareness and money to help a cause like this. There is so much I could say about issues of caring for animals, as their habitats are being consumed by us at an alarming rate. They have a right to live, as we do.
Living in Australia, we have many similar concerns with our wildlife ( some unique to Australia ) that are being put on the endangered list every year. The Tasmanian Tiger ( Thylacine ) has been extinct for almost 80 years. Very sad indeed.
The Tiger is one of the worlds most beautiful creatures, and their numbers have dropped to a point where our kids will soon either have to visit them in a zoo, or see a faded photograph in a book. The choice is ours.
On the subject of music. I can’t wait for my copy of the CD / DVD to land hopefully in the next day or so. Many thanks T.D for taking your music out on the road. Any possiblity of a tour ” Down Under “? Ryuichi Sakamoto was here last month ( t’was hoping to hear a duet of ” Fieldwork ” ). Damn…t’was not to be! You wanna brush up on your fieldwork Thomas…well…….Outback Australia is a gorgeous place to do such a thing.
Until soon
MuLu