Tigon

Panthera leo x Panthera tigris

A tigon is a big-cat hybrid produced by a male tiger and a female lion. It is not a wild species with a natural range; documented tigons have been bred in captivity where lions and tigers are housed by people. Tigons may show a tawny lion-like coat overlaid with tiger striping, sometimes with faint cub spots, and males can develop a short mane or cheek ruff. Size and temperament vary with the individuals involved, but tigons generally do not show the extreme growth associated with some ligers. Males are usually sterile, while females may be fertile.

Modern conservation programs generally avoid producing tigons because they do not represent a recoverable wild population of either parent species. Any existing animal needs the same standard of care as a large carnivore: secure professional housing, protected-contact handling, veterinary oversight, and a diet based on whole prey or balanced carnivore rations. Sanctuaries that accept hybrids also plan for decades of expense and public messaging that does not encourage private ownership. In many jurisdictions, possession is banned or heavily regulated, and responsible facilities do not use hybrid cubs for photo handling.