Yeoh says saving the tiger will help maintain the balance in forest ecosystems.
A PHOTO exhibition called “Eye on the Tiger” featuring works by some of the world’s best photographers is being held at The Starhill and Lot 10 in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is the first nation beyond the UK to host this exhibition that aims to raise awareness on the plight of wild tigers.
Michael Vickers’ picture of a family of tigers.
Organised by Save Wild Tigers (a conservation organisation based in Britain), “Eye on the Tiger” displays 60 stunning works by the world’s 30 leading photographers, as well as the works of two Malaysian photographers, SC Shekar and Sanjitpaal Singh.
Save Wild Tigers founder Simon Clinton said the selection process, which took about eight months, took place in London.
About 1,000 photos from photographers worldwide were curated, ultimately choosing the top 60 for the exhibition.
Shekar and his 1987 photograph of a Malayan tiger in the wild at the ‘Eye on the Tiger’ exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.
He said this exhibition was brought to Malaysia first because Malayan tigers are the closest to extinction among other wild tigers and to raise funds for its conservation.
“With only under 100 Malayan tigers left in the wild, we are running out of time to save this majestic species from extinction.
The Malayan tiger captured in print by Sanjitpaal (inset) and on display at the exhibition. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
“If no action is taken, the future generation will only be left with the photos of these tigers in the gallery,” he added, hoping the exhibition would inspire Malaysians to ensure the survival of the species.
Shekar said, “I am honoured that my photograph of the Malayan tiger in the wild in 1987 is included in this exhibition. I hope this photo will serve as an inspiration for conservation efforts among all Malaysians.”
The Malayan tiger captured in print by Sanjitpaal (inset) and on display at the exhibition. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Sanjitpaal said the exhibition would definitely help to raise awareness and educate Malaysians to contribute to the conservation of wild tigers.
“Malaysians should band together and contribute to conservation bodies like Rimau and the Habitat Foundation, which are doing tremendous work to save our tigers,” he said.
Steve Winter’s picture of two cubs at a watering hole. (Right) Theo Allofs’ picture of a cub approaching its mother.
Ruth Yeoh, executive director of YTL Group which is the lead sponsor of the exhibition, said, “It is critical for us to save our tigers to maintain the balance in forest ecosystems.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to buy prints of the displayed photographs with all profits going to Save Wild Tigers and its conservation partners - The Habitat Foundation and tiger protection society Rimau.
Theo Allofs’ picture of a cub approaching its mother.
The photography exhibition is being held until Oct 8 and Oct 22 at Starhill and Lot 10 shopping centres respectively.
