Meet Kenny the Tiger: The Cross-Eyed Cutie Who Stole Hearts Around the World
Kenny the Tiger was a white tiger that captured the hearts of many animal lovers around the world. The unique feature of Kenny was his rare condition of strabismus, which caused his eyes to cross. He was born in 1999 at a breeding farm in Louisiana, and he quickly became a favorite among the staff and visitors.
Kenny’s owners, Antle and Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, were animal trainers who owned a wildlife preserve called The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.) in South Carolina. They had a reputation for training and breeding exotic animals, including tigers, lions, and elephants.
Kenny was brought to T.I.G.E.R.S. when he was just a few weeks old, and he quickly became one of the most popular animals at the preserve. Visitors came from all over the world to see him, and he was even featured on several television shows and news programs.
Despite his popularity, Kenny’s life was not without controversy. Animal rights activists criticized Antle and T.I.G.E.R.S. for their treatment of animals and their breeding practices. There were also concerns about Kenny’s health, as some experts believed that his strabismus was caused by inbreeding.
Kenny passed away in 2008 at the age of eight. His death was attributed to a rare form of cancer that is common among white tigers. Despite his short life, Kenny left a lasting impact on those who knew him and loved him.
Kenny’s story is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world. It is also a reminder of the responsibility that we have as humans to protect and preserve the animals that share our planet. While his life was not without controversy, Kenny will always be remembered as a symbol of hope and wonder for animal lovers around the world.