A Tiger in the Zoo

- Leslie Norris

Entry ticket:
Write words/phrases that can be associated with the tiger. Think beyond physical
characteristics and consider emotional, cultural, and historical associations as well.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Analyze the literary elements of the poem such as setting, character, tone, theme and
technical aspects.
Big Idea(s)
1. Freedom vs captivity
2. Wildlife Conservation

About the author

▪ George Leslie Norris (1921-2006) was a prize winning Welsh (belonging to
or relating to Wales, its people, or its language) poet and short story writer.
▪ He is considered as most important Welsh writers of the post war period and his
literary works have won many prizes.
▪ His famous works are Finding Gold, The loud winder, phoenix living poets series:
Ransoms, etc.

My Reading responses
Word corner
snarls: makes an angry, warning sound
stalks: the main stem of
a herbaceous plant.
lurking: remaining hidden so as to wait
in ambush.
Baring his white fangs:  showing his
sharp teeth in an attempt to frighten the
villagers  Alliteration-walks in vivid stripes, behind
Velvet quiet: footsteps of the tiger, which
are silent and cannot be heard as he
walks around his cage
My Questions:
What is the poet's attitude towards the
tiger in the poem?
What is the message that the poet is
trying to convey through the poem?
Key Notes
Setting: zoo/jungle
Rhyme scheme-abcb
Poetic Devices
Personification- Tiger personified
Metaphor- In pads of velvet quiet
Metonymy- Strength behind bars (‘strength’
used to mean the body of the tiger.
bars, plump deer pass
Onomatopoeia-snarling
Oxymoron-quiet rage
Imagery- stalks in vivid stripes, lurking in
the shadow
Repetition- quiet, brilliant
Brilliant eyes aim to be free
Contrast between ideal and real
Summary
The poem is about a tiger that is very beautiful
and is walking in his little cage. He is having
beautiful stripes on his skin and has velvet-like
soft paws. But he is not happy and is quite angry
in the cage. The poet says that the tiger may try to
hide behind the long grass, but here he is not able
to do so.
My Learning and challenges

1.How does Leslie Norris use the central image of the tiger in a zoo to comment on broader
themes such as captivity, freedom, and the human relationship with the natural world?
Discussion Points
 Uses the image of the captive tiger to critique the practice of keeping wild animals in
captivity for human amusement.
 highlights the contrast between the tiger's natural habitat and its current
environment, which is characterized by confinement, boredom, and limited
stimulation.
 By describing the tiger as " pacing around / and around," the poet emphasizes the
animal's restlessness and frustration, and suggests that it is unnatural for such a
majestic creature to be confined to a small space.
 The poem also raises broader questions about the human relationship with the
natural world, and asks whether we have the right to control and exploit other
species for our own purposes.

2. Do you think that the tiger in the poem had lost its natural instinct due to captivity?
Discussion Points:
Yes, the tiger in the poem may have lost its natural instinct due to captivity. In the wild,
tigers roam and hunt for food, and their survival depends on their natural instincts.
However, in captivity, their environment is limited, and they are provided with food and
other resources, which may lead to the loss of their natural instincts. The poet highlights the
tiger's restlessness and frustration, which suggests that the tiger has lost its natural instinct
due to captivity.

Levels of Challenge
Task 1: Describe the movement of the tiger in the cage and in the wild.
Task 2: What message does the poet want to convey through the poem? Elucidate with
examples from the poem.
Task 3: Love for freedom is the natural instinct of every living being. Comment in the light of
the poem.
Task 4: Is it right to confine wild animals into cages? Why or why not? Write an article for the
school magazine in 100-150 words.
ANS: Confining wild animals into cages has been a longstanding practice in zoos,
amusement parks, and even private homes. However, the ethical implications of such
actions have been a subject of debate for years.

On one hand, caging wild animals provides a safe environment for both the animals and
humans. Zoos and animal parks provide veterinary care, food, and shelter for animals that
may otherwise be subjected to harsh natural environments or even poaching. Additionally,
the public can view and learn about animals they may not otherwise have a chance to see.

On the other hand, caging animals deprives them of their natural habitats and instincts,
leading to psychological stress and physical problems. Wild animals in cages often exhibit
signs of anxiety, depression, and boredom. Additionally, breeding programs in captivity can
lead to genetic issues and ultimately impact wild populations.

In conclusion, while caging wild animals may have some benefits, it is not a perfect solution.
Efforts should be made to preserve and protect natural habitats, rather than forcing wild
animals into captivity. If captivity is necessary, animals should be provided with as much

Genius Hour:
▪ Conduct an independent research on the treatment of tigers in captivity and the
ethical considerations surrounding zoos. Use a range of sources, such as scientific
studies, news articles, and opinion pieces, to explore different perspectives on this
issue and develop your own informed opinion. Present their findings and opinions
using evidence from the research to support your arguments.
Ans:
Tigers are one of the most iconic and endangered animals on the planet. With the decline of their
natural habitats, many tigers are now being kept in captivity. However, the treatment of tigers in
captivity and the ethical considerations surrounding zoos have been the subject of much debate.

Many zoos claim that they play a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species like tigers.
They argue that breeding programs in captivity can help increase the genetic diversity of the
population and ultimately benefit wild populations. However, critics argue that zoos are often
more concerned with profits than animal welfare. They assert that the educational value of zoos is
limited, and that the vast majority of visitors are more interested in entertainment than learning
about conservation.

Another ethical issue surrounding zoos is the practice of capturing wild animals and keeping them
in captivity. While the use of wild-caught animals in zoos has decreased significantly in recent
years, some zoos still acquire animals from the wild. This practice can be detrimental to wild
populations, and some argue that it is unethical to remove animals from their natural habitats for
human entertainment.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards providing more naturalistic environments
for captive tigers. Many zoos are now using larger enclosures and providing enrichment activities
to mimic natural behaviors. However, critics argue that even the best zoos cannot replicate the
complex social and ecological interactions that occur in the wild, and that tigers should not be
kept in captivity at all.

In conclusion, the treatment of tigers in captivity and the ethical considerations surrounding zoos
is a complex issue. While some argue that zoos play an important role in conservation, others
assert that captivity is inherently cruel and that efforts should be focused on protecting natural
habitats. It is essential that we continue to have an open and honest conversation about the
ethical implications of keeping tigers in captivity and work towards finding solutions that prioritize
animal welfare and conservation.

My Reflection:
Text to Self Seeing a tiger in a zoo reminds me of the importance of conservation
efforts and protecting endangered species.
Text to Text Reading Life of Pi by Yann Martel, which features a tiger in a similar
 captivity setting, helps me understand the experience of a caged animal.
Text to World The issue of animal captivity in zoos raises questions about animal
welfare and the role of humans in preserving the natural world. It also
highlights the importance of conservation efforts and preserving the
habitats of endangered species.

Exit Ticket