27 August 2012
The colossal beast threw back it's hirsute head in indignation releasing an ear-splitting groan, it's vibrations shaking even the toughest of beings confidence. The old warrior silenced nature itself. The entire environ took a sharp intake of breath, knowing that despite his age, his power is incomparable. His assertive, not aggressive, stance exuded dominance, assured in the knowledge that he was utterly in control. Though I had been trained for this, nothing could have prepared me for this.
While the great Bengal tiger species is under threat, this particular specimen could in no stretch of the imagination be considered to be acting threatened. My job here was to capture the tiger and transport him back safely to the reserve. Due to his reasonably elderly age, the shock of a tranquillising using dart might be too much for his body to cope with, therefore my only defence is a syringe containing the drug. However, upon my brief observation of him, I find this hard to belief. But I HAD to gain his trust.
Tentatively, I took one painstakingly small step towards him. He was motionless. Serpentine green, orb-like eyes locked onto mine, challengingly. Effectively, I was trying to rescue this beast, though what I authority I boasted allowing me to do so was beyond me. He outdid me on strength, indefinitely and seemingly knowledge too. Those old eyes were wise. What they had seen, what they had witnessed, my mind fails to comprehend.
'' Shhhhhhh,'' I breathed, with bated breath, without entirely knowing why. Who did I think I was? The bloomin' Tiger Whisperer? Despite my instant regrets on my decision, the tiger's stance seemed to soften slightly. He blinked. His previously intimidating expression had changed instead to or of confusion and curiosity. ''That's right,'' I continued, with a renewed bout of confidence, even daring to take another pace forwards. A mere couple of steps stood boldly between us. Deciding this was the time, I got out the syringe. My training persuaded me that I should show the animal it first, so it does not react to it when you are too close to it. Upon doing so, for the first time throughout the encounter, his eyes betrayed him, displaying a glimpse of fear. Furiously shaking his head in protest, letting out a strangled yelp in the process, he rapidly backed away. This is normal, my head tried to convince me, though my heart was countering, desperately attempting to leap out of my chest. I must persist. Subconsciously, my mind must have taken control and told my feet to pursue, as I felt then take brave strides towards the writhing creature. Before I knew it, my sweaty palms were clasping the syringe once again and were hastily inching closer and closer to his vast body. ''You can do it, it'll be fine. You can do it, it'll be fine.'' I stuttered like it was a mantra to the tiger, though it was mostly for my benefit. He looked up at me expectantly, his great, big eyes delving into mine, surging right through my heart. He trusted me, and I him. His body suddenly became heavy in my trembling arms. I had done it. More than that, he had willingly LET me do it. In all of my career, that was the greatest commendation I could ever receive. My greatest reward.
Endangered • Opuss № I