I kissed a tiger... and I liked it!

Photo essay: Lujan Zoo outside Buenos Aires

by Jahanshah Javid
06-Feb-2012
 
I met up with Fabrice (French), Jenn (French), Heather (American) and Emilco (Columbian) at the corner of Rivadavia and Pueyrredon avenues in Buenos Aires yesterday to take the number 57 bus to Lujan Zoo where, unbelievably, visitors can touch tigers and lions. We not only touched them, but I actually kissed a Bengal tiger! The hot summer sun (and being in a cage all day, every day) sapped the energy of the animals. That was good for us to be able to go near them in a calm state without being (too) afraid. Never thought I'd live to get so close to wild animal, let alone kiss it! >>> See videos
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more from Jahanshah Javid
 
Yana

They all look so druged_out :(

by Yana on

shad zee

 


Piyalechi

Fair Enough

by Piyalechi on

JJ jaan. But eating mesle Gaav is one way to keyf kardan mesle Khar...No?

Keep up the good work. I am proud of you.

;) 

Noush... 


kfravon

zoo >> prison for animals ...

by kfravon on

Zoos will always be prisons for animals wrenched from their natural habitat for our entertainment.  why?

I get depressed just thinking about these poor animals being caged up and as you put it 'bored' day after day....

I can NOT believe they would stick a dog in a cage with the wild cats.  zoo means baaghe vahsh.  Dogs are not wild animals!!  

I also almost fell out of my chair when I saw your friend petting one while he/she was eating!!  

I hope there will never be any casualties in this petting (lion) zoo ... :(  


Jahanshah Javid

The Whole Picture

by Jahanshah Javid on

Sirius, while you worry about the "big picture" and bullying by foreign powers, the bullies actually in power in Iran are actually denying people their rights and actually putting them in prison for what they believe and actually forcing women to cover themselves in public and in short actually having one of the worst human rights records in the world. These are not stereotypes. That is the real, horrible picture.

While you worry about what the US and Israel aew doing in the Middle East, real people, real human beings, real innocent citizens are given outrageous prison sentences for speaking their mind. You may want to look at the whole picture once in a while.

Expressing outrage against the Islamic Republic is not an invitation to war or justification for foreign intervention. There's nothing stopping anyone from being against war, against foreign intervention, against brutality anywhere in the world by anyone AND being outspoken about brutalities in Iran.


Sirius

J. Javid... firstly, I

by Sirius on

J. Javid... firstly, I would want to start by saying that I regret the exaltation of my answer, that in some way was a repetition of my reaction one/two years ago.

I really don't know why I happen to react like that, when I KNOW that you are one of the most decent, well-ment and (for a good reason) respected members of this forum.

Sirius, I'm not exactly sure what your point is. But with words like "exile Iranians", "Tel Aviv", "Tehrangeles" I have an idea where you're going.

 In reality if you know to where I am going, you know better than me... but certainly my current mood has to do with what I am seeing in the larger picture: The bullying of great powers against countries like Libya, Syria and Iran, that in the case of Libya and Syria, have already went to actual murder... but I guess there are plenty of themes, some in which I alredy spoke my mind and vented my anger.

Other component of my mood (relevant to this theme) has to do with the feeling that, to say it bluntly, "third worlders" like us, even if unconcously BUY the negative stereotypes of each other that some malicious Propaganda put in front of our eyes.

Should the Iranians be all fanatic "towelheads" that only know to cry "Margbar Ameerika!!" to Latinos? Should Latinos be all oversexed and ignorant for Iranians?

I think it should not be so. And however, the most easy would be to do so, to let yourself go with the prejudice and stereotype. So easy indeed, that a large number of people does. Stereotypes that doesn't have anything to do with our very far away realities, that however should represent and unprejudized opportunity for something new.

But if you buy American stereotyping of Latinos, or I buy the stereotypes and Western propaganda about Iranians, that opportunity is lost.

The "exile Iranian" part here, has to do with the regretable Reality of these forums, in which many Iranians are willing to buy precisely that propaganda and stereotyping (even against themselves) because they hate the Regime in Teheran, and accritically buy the supposed values of the people that they see as their allies.

That's maybe why I cringe at the slightest criticism from you against us. If it were a plain gringo, I just mentaly show the middle finger and ignore the thing altogether.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Let me just say that brutality against Palestinian prisoners in Israel does not cancel out brutality against prisoners of conscience in Iran. What is it about your likes? Why ignore problems at home and point at abuses abroad? Why be silent about how our own countrymen are treated? Why allow our own government to treat citizens the way it does? Are Israleis or Americans torturing prisoners in Iran? Or are they hamvatans serving the Islamic Republic of Iran? Brutality and abuse is wrong anywhere it happens. But some Iranians choose to deny/condone/ignore horrors at home by pointing to equal or worse situations in other countries. So what is if others are worse? We have to worry about OUR OWN issues.

It is pretty reasonable. For me is pretty reasonable to see here people that critizise Iran in what I call an honorable manner. Why its more, I symphatize more with the Idea of a much more liberal Iran that with the current form of its regime... but...

(a.) It is the Iranians (specially those of Iran) the ones to decide how they want to live.

(b.) For me is a disgrace to see the kind of emigree that wants to return to his/her country behind the bayonets of the enemies of its nation.

 I do not include you in this last group, by the way.

+++++++++++++++++++

As for animal brutality, you are right. I was so excited about touching these beautiful animals that I completely ignored their pathetic plight. My selfish adventures aside, I do hope zoo animals are treated better.

I you hate zoos in general (be there or in China), I have no issues.

If you hate some zoos because you feel that "dirty Latinos" should not have zoos, its another matter (I know that I am exagerating, but I think that conveys the idea)

Regards.  


Cost-of-Progress

Sad things is

by Cost-of-Progress on

that the way things are going, pretty soon, zoos will be the ONLY places on nature's green earth where you can find these magnificent creatures. Truly sad how we humans, on top of the food chain that we are, are destroying the very echo systems we depend on for our selfish existence.

And that, is one of the costs of pe...pe...progress!

Nice photos.

____________

IRAN FIRST

____________


Anonymous Observer

I've been to this place a couple of times

by Anonymous Observer on

I gotta tell you though, this is not a very good idea.  Large cats are not really programed for domestication.  I am shocked that no one has yet been mualed in this place, and told the zoo officials so while I was there.  I don't think they cared though.

At some point, nature is going to take over and one of these cats is going to react to some natural stimulant and there will be trouble.  

These animals belong in the wild.  For one thing, they need miles of territory to roam, mark, etc.  

I hate zoos.   


Organic NUTritionist

i kissed a tiger -- and i liked it :)

by Organic NUTritionist on

funny title!!! :))

great photos, but i do feel sorry for the animals--for sure

:( 


Jahanshah Javid

Are you Sirius? Piyalehchi

by Jahanshah Javid on

Sirius, I'm not exactly sure what your point is. But with words like "exile Iranians", "Tel Aviv", "Tehrangeles" I have an idea where you're going. Let me just say that brutality against Palestinian prisoners in Israel does not cancel out brutality against prisoners of conscience in Iran. What is it about your likes? Why ignore problems at home and point at abuses abroad? Why be silent about how our own countrymen are treated? Why allow our own government to treat citizens the way it does? Are Israleis or Americans torturing prisoners in Iran? Or are they hamvatans serving the Islamic Republic of Iran? Brutality and abuse is wrong anywhere it happens. But some Iranians choose to deny/condone/ignore horrors at home by pointing to equal or worse situations in other countries. So what is if others are worse? We have to worry about OUR OWN issues.

As for animal brutality, you are right. I was so excited about touching these beautiful animals that I completely ignored their pathetic plight. My selfish adventures aside, I do hope zoo animals are treated better.

***

Piyalehchi: It took me 50 years to realize I'm not a cow and so I've adjusted my food intake accordingly. Moo!

***

JD: I don't know which islands you are talking about. Falklands? Malvinas? Never heard of them.

(vaasam dardesar nataraash :)

***


Piyalechi

How Are You Doing It?!

by Piyalechi on

Being a food-o-holic myself, I know it has to be a monumental challenge to stick to a diet while traveling to different places - Especially to Latin countries with their yummy culinary culture. let alone carrying on with a disciplined regiment of exercise as one travels!

You look wonderfully in shape in all of the photos in which you appear since you started your South American journey, JJ.

Tell me and then rest of us "Battle of Bulge Martyrs" how you are doing it?

Noush... 


amirkabear4u

Tiger Cub

by amirkabear4u on

The one in your first video is a cub. As far as I know adult big cats have a reaction towards children as they look like small people to them. Therefore it is likely if children were around all of the animals were cubs.

Do not mean to spoil your fun but is it true latin girls are hot? Maybe you should give the animals a break and try girls !!!!!!!!!!! LOL


Sirius

Wonderful photo

by Sirius on

Wonderful photo essay...

However, since inhumanity and Malvinas were mentioned, I would like to ask... if is not being taken as rude that I mention some politics here...

+++++++++++++++++

(a.) Are zoos extremly cruel and inhumane for exile Iranians only when they are not in "Tehrangeles", London, Tel Aviv, and such?

(I guess that for exile Iranians, the worst zoos should be in Gaza, Lebanon, or Iran itself).

I rember that Javid also visited one or two years ago a Mexican zoo in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, and also complained about the conditions of the zoo. And even asked if there were some "US agency" to which this cruelty could be denounced.

While I am not a great admirer of the intelligence and animal rights awareness of Northern Mexicans, it felt strange to me that Javid tought that we Mexicans could yield so easily  to the desires and whims of the Gringos.

(Well, some Mexicans do... specially Northern Mexicans... still it felt strange and akward to me. I told him to try to contact first some Mexican authorities).

Now I feel something of the same. He goes and kiss a Tiger in an Argentinean zoo. And instead of thanking Argentineans without reserves for the opportunity given, there has to be a complain that the animals "didn't enjoyed air conditioning" (as if the jungles of India they had plenty that!!!).

I think that at least it should be thanked that this animal is conserved there, and didn't ended up killed in order that some Chinese (from Taiwan) make some "magical" tiger penis soup, to be sold in some drugstore in the ChinaTown of San Diego, CA.

Furthermore, let's contrast "inhumanity of Argentineans" with a truly humane way to treat zoo animals: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl5VIwkQ1ZU 

I say it again: Mexicans, Argentineans and other Latin Americans will NOT yield so easily to the desires of the gringos, Europeans, "exile Iranians", and such... be it in this theme, or in the current explosive increase of trade with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

+++++++++++++++++++

Regarding Falklands/Malvinas...

(b.) Argentina is not making war noises about the Malvinas... they are just asking that the British heed to the UN resolution to discuss the situation.

Recently a ship with a "Falklands Flag" tried to port in South American shores, but was denied entrance (in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil) because it looked like a mockery of the British.

No need to make a provocative statement about that.

Regards.


Jeesh Daram

فالکلند

Jeesh Daram


جهانشاه، ایام خوبی را در آرژانیتن برایت آرزو میکنم.  اگر فرصت کردی مراتب پشتیبانی مارا از مردم آرژانتین و مبارزه ایشان در مقابل مستعمره چی پوسیده و پوشالی الیزابت و دارو دسته اش بمردم آن کشور ابلاغ بفرمائید.  باشد که در آینده نزدیک ایرانیان و مردم آزاد آرژانتین پوزه این شغال موزی پیر شده را  در دو نقطه دنیا بخاک بمالند.  اون یارو کچله اسمش چیه،  ویلیام هم مثل شازده های دیگر است و باید بنشیند تو نوبت تا بهش کار بدن.  باباش که فقط کارش پیر زن بازی بود و زن کشی


Souri

Great photo essai

by Souri on

Wonderful. I enjoyed watching your photos. Thanks for sharing.


Jahanshah Javid

Kisses

by Jahanshah Javid on

Red Wine jan. I've only been here a month. Forsat bedeh! yavash yavash :)


Jahanshah Javid

I know!

by Jahanshah Javid on

You're so right, Demo. Those poor animals. They are suffering greatly in captivity. Can you imagine what humans feel like in cages, and tortured, beaten, raped, killed? Why go far. Look at the fate of our own countrymen, in prisons and detention centers in Iran. Think about it.


Red Wine

Mr Javid . . . You've

by Red Wine on

Mr Javid . . .

You've gone to Argentina to kiss the Tigers? What is happening with you? Then who is going to kiss pretty argentinian girls ?

Have fun dear Jahanshah :) .


Demo

Say No to the Wild's Abuses/Kisses!

by Demo on

How in the world do the most abusive creatures of them all, i.e. the humans, allow themselves to remove the wild from its GOD's built environment and to incarcinate them in the cages/zoos or even treat them as pets in the humans' dwellings?

But as always there is a very price to pay for any acts of humans' aggressions. For instance, the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2006 estimated that 50 million people worldwide have been infected with zoonotic diseases in the past 6 years and as many as 78,000 have died. Read more about zoonotic diseases here:  //bigcatrescue.org/2007/zoonotic-disease-discussion-on-national-geographic/

Good luck, JJ!


yolanda

............

by yolanda on

This is JJ's signature pose, looking above his glasses!

//iranian.com/main/image/172160


Raoul1955

Thank you JJ

by Raoul1955 on

For sharing these wonderful photos. :-)


Mohammad Ala

Nice

by Mohammad Ala on

People are not supposed to touch creatures while they are eating.

Creatures of any kind can sense whether one wants to hurt them or not.

I have pet many creatures even rare Asian Cheetah and Panda.


پندارنیک

Of the Prince...

by پندارنیک on

.........Sorry for sidelining.......
Prince William can do his best mission ever, by searching for the real father of his half-brother Harry, only to rescue the ever-declining position of the British monarchy...........and,

 

Our Bahai friends in Falkland should claim their legal status of self-governance in their sacred land of Haifa, which is occupied by the savage Zionists.....

I said sorry for off-topic; didn't I?


Jahanshah Javid

The trick worked

by Jahanshah Javid on

You said it Faramarz. I'm hooked and caged :))


Faramarz

Always Starts with a Simple Kiss

by Faramarz on

This is an old Argentinean Tiger trick!

First he let's you kiss him, then he teaches you how to tango and before you know it, ehem! 

And from then on, you are sereving him in his cage and calling him "Mr. Tiger!"


Jahanshah Javid

sedated?

by Jahanshah Javid on

That's what I imagined before I went there. I thought humans could not go near such wild, dangerous animals. But when I saw them I didn't think they were drugged. I could be wrong. Don't know.


Oon Yaroo

Only a Sheer can Kiss a Tiger, JJ! You have the *****!

by Oon Yaroo on

BTW, was the tiger sedated?

Great pics!


anglophile

Don't forget to give my regards JJ to Prince William

by anglophile on

  who started a six-week stint as a search and rescue pilot in the Falklands this week. The Falklanders are staunch Anglophiles :) (and quite a number of Baha'is are there too).    //www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16890428    

Jahanshah Javid

You're right

by Jahanshah Javid on

You're right Pendar. I wish there were no zoos and the animals could be free and silly people like me would not perpetuate such abuse and cruelty.

Nice to see you care about living things and freedom. It was hard to tell from the way you react (or not) to our own species being imprisoned and abused for no other crime than being human.


Darius Kadivar

;0)

by Darius Kadivar on

OK you Win !

;0) 


Jahanshah Javid

:)))

by Jahanshah Javid on

Clearly DK :)))

By the way, again, it's the Malvinas Islands, not the Falklands. At least as long as I'm in Argentina.