It's good news for a change that the recent findings in India on tiger populations show a definite increase. Since 1972 bans and protections brought about by global pressure from conservationists have shown it's worth the effort and that tigers can rebound if given a chance. India should be applauded for what they have achieved and can set an an example to other countries where big cats are in peril. The loss of these beautiful creatures would be incredibly sad and reason for all humanity to feel shame that we let it happen but thankfully the populations are currently growing to almost double what they were only 4 years ago. 

It would be difficult to believe that a wild animal kept in captivity actually thrives.Some animals seem to fare better than other in captivity while others exhibit behavioural problems and live shortened life spans. It seems that the larger and more intelligent they are the less they cope with a captivity we give them but it's often thought that somehow they are better off for having been rescued. Orcas have demonstrated quite clearly they grow to be very unhappy animals in confinement after being taken from family pods as babies then reared in a man made pool. Highly intelligent they grow frustrated and show aggression and are miserable while they are made to perform for the benefit of human entertainment. Elephants also very intelligent can't get the opportunity to be elephants, to roam, to forage and interact with their own kind when they are kept in artificial enclosures. Many rescue animals are kept this way but is it really the best thing to do I wonder if the animals are stressed and unhappy. While zoos are important if they promote better protection and understanding for wild animals, the way these animals live their lives is a dubious substitute for a wild life.