Wildlife Photographer Embarks on 1000-Mile Journey to Raise Funds for Tiger Conservation
A wildlife photographer is walking 1000 miles with a giant tiger costume on his back to raise money for conservation projects in India and Bhutan
Wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein is currently midway through a 42-day challenge to walk 1000 miles with a nine-foot tiger costume strapped to his back. The fundraising mission aims to raise £50,000 for frontline tiger conservation projects in India and Bhutan.
## The Challenge Goldstein has already completed the first 500-mile leg from Holyhead to Southend-on-Sea and is gearing up for the next stage, walking from Southend-on-Sea to Land’s End. He describes the challenge as a crusade of endurance, with temperatures over 30 degrees every day and the weight of the tiger costume on his back.
The first 500 miles have had plenty of positive experiences, with the kindness of strangers driving Goldstein on. He has received hundreds of gifts, including ice creams, drinks, and chocolates, as well as heartfelt encouragement from people who appreciate the challenge and its purpose.
## Conservation Efforts Goldstein's challenge is supported by Explorers Against Extinction, with the money raised set to go towards a Lighting Up Time project, providing solar lighting for communities and forest camps in Bandhavgarh, India, and the Monitoring Mountain Mammalian Diversity project in Bhutan. Goldstein stresses that fundraising must be both pragmatic and transparent, with charities benefiting local people in safeguarding their striped neighbors.
Tigers are an iconic predator, but they are also one of the most endangered species in the world. They survive in just 13 countries across Asia, with India home to the largest wild tiger population. Despite conservation efforts, tigers remain classified as Endangered, facing threats such as habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
## Photography and Conservation Goldstein believes that photography has a part to play in the animal's protection, but only a very small part. He prefers direct action to people simply posting images on social media, which he says is infected by pious and often disingenuous chancers and charlatans pretending their work actually helps the animals. Instead, he suggests that people can help by writing to their MP about trade ties with China or selling their prints with all the money going to charity.
Goldstein's challenge is a testament to his dedication to tiger conservation, and his message is clear: people must take action to protect these majestic creatures. With the help of donations and support, Goldstein hopes to make a difference in the lives of tigers and the people who work to conserve them.
