Hundreds of streakers ran through London Zoo to highlight the plight of Sumatran tigers

Hundreds of animal lovers earned their stripes by running naked around London Zoo to raise money for Sumatran tigers. Wearing nothing but trainers, with many wearing tiger ears, masks and body paint, 300 people ran naked around the 300 metre course passing animal closures watched by supporters after visitors had left.



Participants said they felt empowered by the experience which raised £40,000 for the Sumatran Tiger Campaign which will use it to fund conservation work of the critically endangered tiger. James Wren, development director at ZSL, said: “Everyone got so excited about the event, they really got behind it. There was an amazing buzz in the crowd, both from the spectators and the participants who were running around naked.





“We only asked them to do one lap, but many carried on doing several laps around the zoo because they felt so liberated and free. The feedback has been overwhelming, from those involved in naturism to those who are just passionate about tigers. They were apprehensive and nervous, but when they were doing it, they just enjoyed it so much, they were delighted.”


YouTube link.

The Sumatran is the smallest surviving tiger subspecies and is distinguished by their orange coats with heavy black stripes.They are only found on the Indonesian island where they are protected by law, but according to the WWF a substantial market remains in Sumatra and the rest of Asia for tiger parts and products while their habitat and prey are declining fast.