The Bedford Estates, LondonWoburn Safari Park is thrilled to announce a brand-new collaboration with renowned artist Leah Wood to celebrate National Tiger Day on July 29th. Together, they’re raising awareness for the urgent fight to protect one of the planet’s most endangered big cats, the Amur tiger.
Leah Wood, a talented artist and environmental advocate, brings a unique perspective shaped by a life lived in the public eye. While she has carved out a creative path entirely her own, her upbringing in a family immersed in the arts has undoubtedly influenced her distinctive voice and vision. This latest work reflects her deep connection to nature and her commitment to sustainability - hallmarks of her growing body of work.
As part of her collaboration with Woburn, Leah has created a stunning portrait of Minerva - known affectionately by keepers as Vera - one of the Park’s resident Amur tigers. Minerva arrived at Woburn from Izhevsk, Russia in 2013 and she was one of two Russian tigers brought into the UK as part of a breeding program, making her a genetically significant individual.
The painting will be unveiled at the park, where visitors can see the piece up close and donate directly to the Wildcats Conservation Alliance, funding critical anti-poaching patrols, wildlife health monitoring and habitat protection for endangered big cats.
While Woburn’s two Amur tigers, Minerva and Dmitri live in a safe and enriching environment, wild Amur tigers face an uncertain future. Tigers now occupy just 7% of their original habitat range, and global populations have plummeted from around 100,000 in the early 20th century to just 3,000 by 2010. The Amur tiger urgently needs protection, and every donation can help make a difference and support the Wildcats Conservation Alliance projects.
Leah said, “I’m thrilled to be partnering with Woburn Safari Park to raise awareness for conservation through this new installation. If we can make people aware of the danger’s wildlife is facing we can get more support for vital fundraising.”