Bring the Liger to South Dakota

The Rapid City Journal reported on April 14, 2005 that the Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (hereafter "The Sanctuary") is attempting to bring several new animals, mostly large cats and a few bears, into its facility near Spearfish, South Dakota. Among these creatures is one liger, which results from the breeding of a male lion and a female tiger.

South Dakota's Animal Industry Board (hereafter "The Board") has previously rejected the Sanctuary's request to transport these beasts into the state. The Board will hear the case again on April 26, 2005.

We, The Undersigned, recommend that the Animal Industry Board accept The Sanctuary's request to include these animals in their preserve.

We, The Undersigned, see no reason why The Sanctuary should not be allowed to take these magical beasts into their care, so long as proper precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the surrounding community, and The Sanctuary accepts responsibility for the actions of the animals.

The inclusion of the rare liger in The Sanctuary's collection could be an enormous boon to the local economy. Not only is the liger rare in nature as well as captivity, but it has also gained recognition following its mention in the popular film "Napoleon Dynamite."

South Dakota's economy, especially that of the Black Hills region, derives a significant portion of its revenue from tourism and related activities. The presence of a liger will only increase the number of visitors to the state, creating further spillover benefits.

The Sanctuary's request will be heard by The Board on April 26, 2005 at 3:30 PM CDT, at the Ramkota-Best Western in Pierre, South Dakota. Signatories are encouraged to sign prior to this meeting.