So I did it, I took part in this years Streak for Tiger and as promised, as a thank you for your generous donations, here are the photos.
I can’t tell you how nervous I was, I may have flashed on occasion and had outdoor photos taken but never have I been so naked, so exposed in front of so many people!
As I travelled to the zoo the weather turned from an overcast day to torrential rain and hailstorms, my thoughts went from nerves to hoping the tigers were going to appreciate me being cold, wet and also being torn to shreds in the hail.
Luckily by the time we arrived the weather had cleared and, as Sir went to join the other spectators, what I had agreed to do finally sunk in. I really wanted him to stay with me but I knew I couldn’t back out. Off I went to change or should I say undress! We were given foil blankets to wrap ourselves up in before the start, I was grateful as the weather had cooled down drastically from the recent heat wave we’d been having.
After what felt like a lifetime of waiting we were led to the start line, my heart was pounding but luckily the crowd were friendly and encouraging. And then we were off! I searched the crowd to see Sir and in my nervous state didn’t see him, I continued round the course and when I came round past the monkey cages I’m sure I saw the run away and avert their eyes!
As I passed by the spectators the second time I saw Sir, I was so excited to see him I turned round, almost ran over for a hug but instead faced the crowd, waved and bounced around a bit, because the wonderful thing about tiggers is I’m the only one, except I wasn’t, there were around 300 of us and I’d completely forgotten the rest of the spectators and all the press photographers!
By this point I’d lost my nerves and when I reached the spectators again I stood posing for photos with the lovely tiger mascot. Then went off and completed my final lap before going off to get dressed.
I left the zoo so elated and when Sir hugged me and told me how proud he was of me I was completely exhilarated.
Again, a big thank you to all of you who donated, supported and encouraged me, it is all greatly appreciated.
