Former Tamil Tiger members have been working together to establish a wildlife reserve in North Eastern Sri-Lanka.
The group, which officially disbanded in May of last year following a bitter and bloody conflict, is now engaged in a conservation programme set up for abused tigers.
The new Sanctuary, titled the Tamil Tiger Wildlife Reserve, has built around 70 tiger enclosures in just one year. The park spans 15,000 acres of land in total. International NGO's and overseas charities have welcomed the move, although there has been no formal response from the Sri Lankan government at this time.
It is thought the park could swell in the coming years, having the capacity to hold a total tiger population of 200, although more park wardens than the present 20 may be needed to police tiger territory disputes.
The Tamils receive an estimated $350 million annually in sponsorship from sympathisers overseas. A significant percentage of this has been used to set up and manage the park, although there is now a massive budget surplus following the cease of terrorist activities by the organisation. Several other projects have been mooted. Among them, the most promising include: a tiger-themed amusement park, a pop-idol style talent contest, a television gameshow in the mould of wheel of fortune, a worldwide annual marathon event through the tiger park.
The American rockband Survivor has reportedly shown an interest in the park and was keen to be involved in the production of a tiger themed singer talent contest. Negotiations are also rumoured between Tony the Tiger of Kellogg's Frosties fame, eager to 'give something back' to the tiger community whose longstanding support propelled him to stardom.
