History:  Shir-Kahn was born at Turpentine Creek just 10 days after Tigger and Tara were picked up along with 3 other cats in Lexington, Oklahoma. He was the first tiger born at the Refuge and has always been our pride and joy. He was taken from the parents, because Tara had a reputation of eating her young. He was taken from her early in the morning. To our great surprise, about 2:00 p.m., Raja, his newborn sister appeared. We had to transfer Tigger out again and wait for Tara to join him. We then took the second cub.

Personal: Shir-Kahn grew up in the Jackson home with his sister, until they began eating the furniture. He and his sister both had their claws removed at the age of approximately 4 weeks. When he was older, he shared a cage with Raja, his sister, Lillie, Truman, and Jill. After Shasta, a female lion the same age, was picked up in Kentucky, Shir-Kahn and Raja joined her. Raja and Shasta fought all the time so Raja moved back with Truman, Lillie and Jill. Shir-Kahn still shares his cage with Shasta, a beautiful lioness. They have been together since they were just a little over a year of age. These two cats get along great. At any time, when the cages are being cleaned, Shir-Kahn has to be locked in his den or he will always get the water hose. He thinks that is the greatest game in the world!!!