North Bridgeport in Greater Bridgeport Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Why We Don't Have White Tigers
White tigers are not a separate species. All white tigers in North America are the descendants of a single tiger captured in 1951. Generations of inbreeding have increased the frequency of the white coat. Because of this inbreeding and the consequent health issues, they do not serve conservation purposes.
It is thought that 80% of white tigers die from birth defects associated with the inbreeding necessary to produce the white coat.
Many white tigers are not put on display because of deformities such as pug nose, bulging crossed eyes, scoliosis, cleft palates, as well as immune deficiency and mental impairments.
The white coat is actually a disadvantage in the wild. In fact, there is no evidence of a wild white tiger cub living to adulthood.
The controversy behind white tigers is one of ethics versus economics. Although many visitors flock to these unique creatures white tigers take up space in zoos and sanctuaries that could be better used to conserve true tiger subspecies.
Erected by Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment
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Location. 41° 12.658′ N, 73° 10.848′ W. Marker is in Bridgeport in Greater Bridgeport Region, Connecticut. It is in North Bridgeport. It can be reached from Noble Avenue north of Crown Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport CT 06610, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Fairfield County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Amur Tiger Conservation (a few steps from this marker); Bald Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bald Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker);
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Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 136 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
