The only natural history museum in Lorraine, based in Nancy (Meurthe-et-Moselle), welcomed a new resident in mid-March, much more exotic than the other species from the region.
An unexpected arrival, resulting from a seizure in Haute-Marne.
An individual had recovered the remains of a tigress from a circus, which he wanted to have stuffed.
The animal, protected by the Washington Convention, did not have any certificate attesting to its origin.
The taxidermist reported it to the French Biodiversity Office (OFB).
“All animals subject to Cites, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, must have papers.
So the OFB seized this tiger.
“This tigress died of old age”
Then, the Haute-Marne public prosecutor's office suggested that it remain in the region to serve as educational support.
So he naturally turned to us,” explains Lucile Guittienne, director of the Muséum Aquarium de Nancy.
The owner, who nevertheless financed the taxidermy intervention, was not sanctioned.
“A priori, this tigress was born in captivity and died of old age.
But her age could not be determined because she no longer has her real teeth,” continues the director.
“She remains in isolation for the moment, the time to evacuate the parasites which could have lodged in her hair.
His tail also needs to be restored.
Then, initially, it will sit in a window on the first floor.
It’s a very emblematic species with strong symbolism,” says Lucile Guittienne.