WWF-Turkey and Eczacıbaşı Sports Club have renewed their collaboration for World Tiger Day on July 29 to support the conservation of tiger species. Executed under the theme "Tigers on the Court and in the Wild," the project connects the Eczacıbaşı mascot's values, court agility, determination, and generational team culture, with the sharp senses, strong reflexes, and evolutionary bonds of wild tigers.
The campaign highlights parallels between the split-second reflexes of volleyball athletes and the vision of wild tigers, which see six times better than humans in the dark. It also draws similarities between Eczacıbaşı's youth infrastructure culture and the protective care mother tigers provide to ensure species continuity.
Habitat Loss, Ecological Impact, and Conservation Success
Despite their global recognition, tigers face survival risks driven by habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife conflict. Protecting tiger forest habitats safeguards vital water resources and protects co-existing species such as rhinos, elephants, brown bears, and orangutans.
Long-term conservation programs led by the WWF Global Network in partnership with local communities show positive outcomes. According to recent census data, the wild tiger population in Nepal expanded from 121 individuals in 2010 to 429 individuals. WWF-Turkey and Eczacıbaşı Sports Club invite nature enthusiasts to participate in WWF-Turkey's symbolic tiger adoption program to support field conservation activities.
